We constantly hear from editors that the vast majority of the manuscripts they receive are rejected because they were not written to the editor’s specifications. Few editors will consider a story or article that does not meet their specs—precisely.

Writing contests also have exact specifications. That’s why we encourage writers—all writers, new ones and old pros too—to enter contests. They’re excellent, professional training experiences and, if you win, they can get you published and pay healthy prize money.

The winners in these contests will be published in Children’s Writer, the monthly newsletter that goes to every children’s book and magazine editor/publisher in North America. Along with the winning piece, we’ll publish an article on it and the other top-ranked entries and their authors. There are also cash prizes. The cash prizes alone are a lot of good reasons to write a piece and enter.

Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. All others pay a $10 reading fee—standard for writing contests. But, if you are not a subscriber, your $10 fee will also bring you a six-month trial subscription to Children’s Writer. You can submit multiple entries, but please use the attached entry form for each one.

The contest rules are important. They follow this letter. Please read them very carefully.

Please note the opening and closing dates each contest. Be sure that your entry arrives in the correct time window, and note that the deadline is absolute!

Now, warm up your computer and write a prize-winning piece.

P.S. A majority of entries do not make it past the first reading because they are not targeted to the specified age range or because they exceed the word limit. Don’t fall out of the running because of either of these two easy-to-meet specifications. Age-target your writing and count your words.
 

Upcoming Contests

PreK Seasonal:

A fictional story or nonfiction article related to a holiday or season for age 4, to 125 words. Preference will be given to less well-known holidays, but the treatment must offer relevance and high interest to young readers and the adults who read with them. Winners will be selected on age-appropriateness, use of language, clarity, originality, and the overall quality of writing. Entries should be fun and informative. Include research sources for factual information, if relevant. Publishability is the ultimate criterion.

Entries must be received by October 31, 2008. Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. For all others, the entry fee is $13, which includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the March 2009 issue. Prizes: $500 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer; $250 for second place; and $100 for third, fourth, and fifth places.

Send to: Children’s Writer, PreK Seasonal Contest, 93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896.

Sports, Nonfiction:

A nonfiction article on a sports topic for age 9, to 750 words. Convey the excitement and appeal of a sport, along with some educational aspect—such as history, strategy, people, or equipment. Winners will be selected on age-appropriateness, use of language, clarity, originality, and the overall quality of writing. Entries should be fun and informative. Publishability is the ultimate criterion.

Entries must be received by February 28, 2009. Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. For all others, the entry fee is $13, which includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the July 2009 issue. Prizes: $250 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer; $100 for second place; and $50 for third and fourth places. 

Send to: Children’s Writer, Sports Contest, 93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896.

Readaloud Folktale or Fantasy:

A folktale, legend, fairy tale, or other fantasy story for early readers, age 7, to 200 words. Stories should be written at the appropriate age level so a child can read them independently.  Entries will be judged on creativity, voice, and writing style. Publishability is the ultimate criterion. Include sources if the story is a retelling. 

Entries must be received by October 31, 2009. Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. For all others, the entry fee is $13, which includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the March 2010 issue. Prizes: $500 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer; $250 for second place; and $100 for third, fourth, and fifth places. 

Send to: Children’s Writer, Folktale Contest, 93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896.

Science:

An article on a science topic for age 11, to 750 words. The emphasis in this contest is on finding a current subject and giving it a fresh angle. Delve into any of the “hard” sciences—chemistry, physics, biology, etc.—but avoid softer nature and environmental topics. Winners will be selected on subject choice, hook, angle, clarity, writing style, and  reading excitement. Entries should be fun and informative. Publishability is the ultimate criterion.

Entries must be received by February 28, 2010. Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. For all others, the entry fee is $13, which includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the July 2010 issue. Prizes: $250 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer; $100 for second place; and $50 for third and fourth places. 

Send to: Children’s Writer, Science Contest, 93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896.

Historical Fiction

Historical fiction for young teens, age 13, to 1,500 words. Balance originality with accuracy and provide strong sources. Create a voice and a story that is historical but relevant to contemporary readers. Include a bibliography of research sources. Publishability is the ultimate criterion.

Entries must be received by October 31, 2010. Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free.  For all others, the entry fee is $13, which includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the March 2011 issue. Prizes: $500 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer; $250  for second place; and $100 for third, fourth, and fifth places.

Send to: Children’s Writer, Historical Fiction Contest, 93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896.