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Teen Writing Contest

The Houston Public Library is running its first teen writing contest. Subjects for your short story or poem are limited only by your imagination. Entries will be judged on originality, use of language and technical skill. You can submit to both categories – short story and poetry.

Categories:
 1A – Poetry: Grades 6-8
1B – Short Story:  Grades 6-8
2A – Poetry: Grades 9-12
2B – Short Story: Grades 9-12

All entries will have to adhere to contest rules and deadlines. Entries will be judged on the following:
 Originality
Use of Language
Technical Skill

Prizes for Each Category:
 1st Prize = $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
2nd Prize = $15 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
3rd Prize = $10 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

How to Submit Entry:


By Mail: Houston Public Library | Attn: Rebecca Denham - Teen Room | 500 McKinney St., 77002. Use the fillable PDF form.

Online: complete the form below. Don't forget to upload your document file!

Contest Submission Rules:

Participants must be a current student between grades 6-12.
For each submission fill out the entry form (download here) and attach to your submission. A submission consists of 1 entry form attached to 3 copies of your entry. (If you participate in two categories, you should have two Entry Forms.)

One entry per category per participant
Submit 3 copies of your entry typed on white paper with 1 entry form attached. No handwritten entries will be accepted.

Text & Formatting
Title of work should appear at the top of the submission. Your name should only appear on the entry form. Do not put your name on the copies of your short story or poem attached to the entry form.
Color – Black ink only
Font – Times New Roman
Size – 12pt
Spacing - 1.5 line spacing
No pictures are permitted

All entries must adhere to the word count. Poetry must be 800 words or less. Short stories should be a minimum of 1000 words and not exceed 5000 words.
All short stories must be stand-alone. Excerpts of larger works will not be considered.
All entries must be original work; Fanfiction will not be accepted.

All entries must be received by 5 PM on July 30, 2016

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