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I’ve been searching for writing contests for kids for my daughter and her friend. Many kids, like mine, want to write for an audience; they’d love to be published. This round-up of writing contests for kids and opportunities might just help give young writers their first chance at publication.
Let me also suggest that you temper your kids’ enthusiasm with a bit of reality. It’s a tricky thing because you don’t want to be a killjoy but you also want your children to understand that good, award-winning writing is hard work and takes dedication. So even when faced with rejection, or not winning, kids need to persevere and keep writing. (Feel free to share stories authors such as Madeline L’Engle, J.K. Rowlings, and Dr. Seuss who were rejected for publishing a lot.)
Also, it’s important that kids read through the past winners or published pieces so they get an idea of what the contest or publication is looking for.
Revision, of course, is essential. You can help by giving kids specific feedback on technique — revision tips here. Make sure your story has a story arc. And, proofread a million times to be sure you’re not sending in something with errors!
Check my NanNoWriMo for Kids post for more writing and revision tips.
All that being said, publishing can be a very motivational goal. Encourage your kids to write and apply for opportunities like these. But remind them that failure only means that they haven’t been published YET. Best wishes!
**Check the comments for more contests.
Writing Contests for Kids
Roald Dahl’s ImaginormousChallenge
ages: 5 – 12
Details: In this unique writing contest, kids submit story ideas in 100 words or less. The only judging criterion, in true Wonka style, is pure imagination. Five winners will get a Golden Ticket. See the website for all the prizes and opportunities.
Kids Write!
ages: 4 – 18
Details: Write an original work of fiction no longer than 1,000 words. Sibling teams are allowed. Stories due May 1, 2020.
Children’s Poetry Contest
ages: 4 – 11
Write a poem about any topic that does not exceed 35 lines.
Betty Award
ages: 8 – 12
Details: Check the website for deadlines for their spring and fall writing contests. Cash prizes. $15 fee.
Funny Festive Fables
ages: 7 – 13
Write a funny short story about Christmas.
Amazing Kids!
ages: not stated
Details: Check the website for the latest writing contests for kids.
Write the World
ages: not stated
Details: This is an online writing community for kids with writing contests posted from time to time here.
Dandelion Press
ages: all
Get inspired by the illustration provided to write an original story. Tadpole Press
ages: all
For writers of all ages, this is a 100-word writing contest in any genre.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
ages: 13+
The Scholastic Awards look for work in writing and art that demonstrates originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. This contest is highly competitive so do your best!
Magazines and Online Publications for Kids’ Writing
Cricket
ages: 9 – 14
Details: Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing are welcome in this literary magazine. Guidelines for submissions are here.
Stone Soup
ages: 13 and YOUNGER
Details: This magazine receives a lot of submissions, so read carefully what actually gets published for a better chance. It accepts stories, book reviews, and poems. $3 fee.
Skipping Stones
ages: 7 to 17
Details: This publication has a multicultural focus for its writing opportunities for kids. Send in essays, interviews, poems, plays, or short stories. $5 fee. Winners are published in their autumn issue.
The Caterpillar
ages: not stated
Details: This is an Irish publication but accepts entries from anywhere in the world.
Guardian Angel Kids
ages: up to age 14
Details: Themes for submissions here. If your work is accepted (articles, fiction, poetry) then the magazine will own in and will pay you for your work. Just be sure that if your writing is accepted, you don’t post it anywhere else since you will not own it anymore.
Ember
ages: 10 – 18
Details: This publication is searching for compelling poetry, short stories, flash fiction, and creative non-fiction that paint images with language.
Amazing Kids! Magazine
ages: 5 to 18
Details: A magazine written by kids and teens looking for stories, articles, adventures, and more. Submission guidelines are here.
Scholastic News Kids Press Corps
ages: 10 – 14
Apply to be on a team of kid reporters from across the country and around the world covers “news for kids, by kids.” Students ages 10–14 with a passion for telling great stories and discussing issues that matter most to kids are encouraged to apply in the spring for the following school year.
Figment
ages: 13+
Details: This is an online writing community meant to encourage teen writers to write and share their work. You can post your work and get feedback, as well as give feedback to other writers. Contests are posted throughout the year.
Cicada Magazine
ages: 14+
Details: This magazine loves SF/fantasy and historical fiction as well as narrative nonfiction about teen topics.
Teen Ink
ages: 13+
Details: This is an online writing community with a wealth of opportunities for young writers.
Canvas Literary Journal
ages: 13 – 18
Canvas Teen Literary Journal is a quarterly journal that publishes the work of teen writers which are read and rated by a board of teen editors.
Highlights Magazine
ages: ages 16+
Details: This magazine publishes kids’ writing but also will publish: drawings, poems, jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, stories, science questions, and book reviews.
KEEP READING
Gifts for Young Writers
Write a Novel in November
Writing Prompts for Kids
How to Make a Book Trailer
