Summer Youth Writing Contest

What is it?

A poetry and short story contest where kids and teens ages 17 or under can submit their poems and short stories for the chance to see their work published! 

How long does the contest run?

• Opens: May 1st, 2026

• Closes: July 31st, 2026

What are the age groups?

• Elementary School: Grades Pre-K - 5 (in fall 2026)

• Middle School: Grades 6 - 8 (in fall 2026)

• High School: Grades 9 -12 (including students who graduated the summer of the contest) 

What are the categories?

• Poetry

• Short Story 

What is the theme?

• The Plot Thickens

• Write about plot twists, surprises, or mysteries as a theme or idea.  

• Entries are not required to relate to the theme, but it is strongly recommended that they do relate to the theme. 

What are the rules?

• Entries must be submitted by residents of Placer County and received by July 31, 2026.

• Entries should, but are not required, to follow the theme of the contest.

• Entries must be complete and unpublished works of fiction and may not be excerpts from longer works.

• Entries must remain PG-13 (no profound violence, swearing, etc.)

• Entries must be original works in English.

• Plagiarism will result in disqualification.

• No generative AI may be used. 

• Participants may submit up to three poems that must each be under 100 lines or 800 words.

• Participants may submit one short story under 4,000 words or two short stories that are each under 1,000 words.

• Participants may submit one illustrated story, not to exceed 14 pages. Fully graphic novel-style submissions will be considered, but may be reserved for publication in a later graphic novel-specific anthology. 

• By submitting works for consideration, authors grant the Lincoln Public Library first serial rights for publication. All rights return to the author following publication. (This means that if we accept your work, we can publish it in our anthology. You can also have it published elsewhere afterwards.)

• No financial compensation is provided to winners.

• There are no entry fees to participate.

What are the prizes?

• The winners of the contest will have their works published!

• The winners of the contest will get a free copy of the publication.

• They will also have the chance to read their works aloud in front of a live audience (this is not required if the winner is not comfortable with it)!