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
Bedtime Stories Picture Book Webinar
Winners Webinar
August 5, 2025
8:00pm ET | 5:00pm PT
ICL Bedtime Stories Picture Book Webinar
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:
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Workshop on August 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. Claim your spot now!
Bedtime Stories Picture Book Webinar
Winners Webinar
August 5, 2025
8:00pm ET | 5:00pm PT
ICL Bedtime Stories Picture Book Webinar
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. Claim your spot now!
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Webinar in Late Summer 2025
- Click here to be notified
- Click here to claim your spot!
ICL YA Contemporary Fiction First Pages Contest
Whether you’re writing a swoony romance, taut thriller, edgy drama, or celebration of the human spirit, your mission is the same: hook the reader with an intriguing situation, keep them with your prose, and engage readers from the very first page.
Details:
- More details soon. Get Notified.
ICL YA Contemporary Fiction First Pages Contest
Whether you’re writing a swoony romance, taut thriller, edgy drama, or celebration of the human spirit, your mission is the same: hook the reader with an intriguing situation, keep them with your prose, and engage readers from the very first page.
Details:
- More details soon. Get Notified.
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Webinar in Late Summer 2025
- Click here to be notified
- Click here to claim your spot!
Contests Tailored For Adult Authors
IFW Romantasy Novel First Pages Contest
Romantasy is a mashup of romance and fantasy. Some say it’s a new subgenre. Others that’s it’s an old one renamed. Either way, romantasy is a dream come true for readers who love both fantasy and romance.
Let your imagination fly. On fairy wings or dragon wings. Your choice.
Details:
- 1,000 words or less in the romantasy genre
- In novel form
- Aimed at adult audiences
- Click here for details
IFW New Beginnings Poetry Webinar
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:
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Workshop on July 1, 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. Claim your spot now!
IFW Romantasy Novel First Pages Contest
Details:
- 1,000 words or less in the romantasy genre
- In novel form
- Aimed at adult audiences
- Click here for details
IFW New Beginnings Poetry Webinar
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:
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Workshop on July 1, 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. Claim your spot now!
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
