Find writing contests for teens, including essay contests, poetry contests, short story contests, contests for scholarships and so much more, listed below. You can win money, trips, recognition, and lots of other cool prizes! Just click on the links provided to go to the entry page of the contest you are interested in for more details on how to enter. Good luck!
(Note: The contests below are only open to teens ages 13 and up. If you want to view contests that are open to teens and younger kids or just younger kids, please visit our Writing Contests For Kids page).
Teen Ink Magazine: If you are ages 13-19 and you'd like to be published in this online magazine, you can submit an original work of poetry, fiction or non-fiction. There is no entry deadline; submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis. No residence eligibility requirements are stated. Teen Ink also has a printed edition; if your work is accepted for the printed edition, you will receive a free copy of that month's magazine.
Creative Kids Magazine: Creative Kids is looking for the very best material by students (ages 8–16). Material may include cartoons, songs, stories between 500 and 1200 words, puzzles, photographs, artwork, games, editorials, poetry, and plays, as well as any other creative work that can fit in the pages of the magazine or on the website. As long as it's creative, they're interested! If your work is selected you will receive a free copy of the CK issue in which your work appears.
One Teen Story: To enter, you need to be between the ages of 14-19. Write and submit an original, unpublished fictional story that is between 1,500-4,000 words, in any genre. Winner will receive $500, publication in the May 2016 magazine issue, 25 copies of the magazine and a poster of the magazine cover featuring their story. Honorable mentions will be chosen in three age categories: 14-15, 16-17, and 18-19-year-olds.
YCteen Essay Contest: Open to Ages 14-19. This is a year round contest that Youth Communication will post questions throughout the year for which they request essay submissions on the topic of no more than 800 words. If you win, your story will be published on the website and in print issue. The first prize winner will receive $150; second prize $75 and third prize $50. Check back often to see the latest contest question.