Writing contests are a great way to sharpen your submission skills, stretch your imagination, and get your work out in the world. That’s why the Institute runs Kidlit writing contests and other writing contests throughout the year.
Our contests for children’s writers culminate in Winners Webinars, where we announce the winners and critique the winning entries to help all entrants improve their skills. Plus, each contest offers cash prizes for the top five entries.
Learn more about our kid lit writing contests and our other writing contests below.
Children's Writers Contests
ICL Bedtime Stories Picture Book
Bedtime stories are often our first introduction to reading as children. Often times, bedtime stories are passed down from generation to generation, helping lull little minds into a restful sleep. For this contest, submit your picture book manuscript to help the kiddos start counting sheep!
Details:
- For ages 4-7
- No more than 600 words
- A fresh approach to the traditional bedtime story
- Click here for details
ICL YA Fantasy First Pages
Fantasy novels are always popular with the young adult crowd. Introduce us to a teen and their not-so-ordinary world in our YA Fantasy First Pages Contest.
Details:
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Workshop on February 5, 2025.
- Entrants will get into the webinar for free. An email invitation will be sent one week prior to the webinar.
- Non-entrants can attend for $7. Click here to claim your spot!
Contests Tailored For Adult Authors
IFW New Beginnings Poetry Contest
There are so many new beginnings in life. New babies, new loves, new life phases. Sometimes those new life phases come after a great hardship—like grief, loss, or heartbreak.
For this contest, we want you to share a new beginning through poetry, specifically a blank verse poem.
Details:
- Must be no longer than 280 words
- Must be a blank verse poem.
- Entries must incorporate a new beginning.
- Click here for details
IFW Photo Prompt Short Story
There are so many new beginnings in life. New babies, new loves, new life phases. Sometimes those new life phases come after a great hardship—like grief, loss, or heartbreak.
For this contest, we want you to share a new beginning through poetry, specifically a blank verse poem.
Details:
- Must be no longer than 280 words
- Must be a blank verse poem.
- Entries must incorporate a new beginning.
- Click here for details
Winners Webinars
Following our writing contests, we hold live Winners Webinar to announce the winners. The contest judge will reveal tips for writing in the contest genre and critique the winning entries sharing why their manuscripts work—and how to make them shine even brighter.
Sign up now to be notified of our next Winners Webinar!
Looking to improve your contest entry?
Our Most Recent Contest Winners
