While submitting to literary magazines is a great way to launch yourself into the writing world as a youth writer (and you can find a list of mags that solicit young voices here), we also strongly recommend trying your hand at contests! Many offer prizes to winners that range from publication of your piece to payment, not to mention the prestige of being recognized by, say, the New York Times or Princeton University. 

Below, you’ll find a list of ten writing competitions that seek out everything from fiction to poetry to creative nonfiction to plays or dramatic scripts. Some even accept academic writing or other forms of art (visual, music, film, etc.) so if you enjoy creating in other mediums as well, consider submitting! 

1. Marmalade Lit’s Spring Contest: Open to international writers ages 12-22. The theme is “current.” Accepts poetry and prose.

2. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Open to United States and Canadian students in grades 7-12 ages 13 and up. Accepts poetry, prose, and journalism among a wide variety of other art and writing categories.

3. YoungArts: Open to United States students ages 15-18 or in grades 10-12. Accepts writing and several other forms of art including but not limited to visual art, dance, and music.

4. One Teen Story: Open to international writers 13-19. Accepts short stories.

5. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest: Open to international writers and artists ages 11-18. The theme typically revolves around sustainability and the impact of climate change—often in relation to the ocean hence the organization’s name. Accepts poetry, prose, and several other artistic mediums such as visual art, performing arts, and film.

6. Polyphony Lit’s Seasonal Contests: Open to international writers in high school ages 14-18. Various themes throughout the year. Accepts poetry and prose.

7. Write the World Global Writing Competitions: Open to international writers ages 13-19. Themes and genres accepted vary by the month but have included poetry, spoken word, journalism, fiction, and more.

8. New York Times’ Student Contests: Open to students around the world ages 13-19 who are in middle or high school. Topics vary but include creative nonfiction, photography, and journalism.

9. Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest: Open to students around the world in the 11th grade (in the U.S.) or in the international equivalent of the 11th grade. Accepts one play that’s a maximum of ten pages.

10. Sarah Mook Poetry Contest: Open to students around the world in grades K-12. Accepts poetry on any subject.