Kids have big imaginations, and when it comes to creating stories or poetry, it’s that bold creativity that can even give them an advantage over their adult counterparts. They also tend to be braver when it comes to sharing their work.
If you have a child or student who loves writing and telling stories, they might be interested in entering a writing contest for the chance to win fun prizes, cash, and recognition for their writing.
List of Writing Contests for Kids 2022
Below is a list of writing contests for kids open in 2022. Each contest has different age ranges, so be sure to review the submission guidelines by clicking on the contest’s name.
| Contest Name | Age Range or Grade | Entry Fee | First Prize | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest | Grades 6-12 | Free | $1000 | February 1, 2022 |
| Saint Mary's College River of Words Contest | ages 5–19 | Free | publication | February 1, 2022 |
| NCTE Promising Young Writers | 8th grade | $25 | certificate + recognition on NCTE website | February 15, 2022 |
| NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing | 11th grade | $25 | certificate + recognition on NCTE website | February 15, 2022 |
| WQED Writers Contest | Grades K-5 | Free | certificate + publication on website | March 15, 2022 |
| The Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku and Senryu Competition | Grades 7-12 | Free | $100 | March 22, 2022 |
| Princeton 10-Minute Play Contest | 11th grade | Free | $500 | March 31, 2022 |
| We the Students Essay Contest | Ages 14-19 | Free | $7,500 | April 15, 2022 |
| Listen to a Life Story Contest | Ages 8-18 | Free | $100 | April 15, 2022 |
| Tadpole Press 100 Word Writing Contest | all ages | $10 | $1,000 | November 30, 2022 |
| World Historian Student Essay Competition | Grades K-12 | Free | $500 | May 1, 2022 |
| The Betty Award | Ages 8-12 | $15 | $300 | May 14, 2022 |
| Jane Austen Society Essay Contest | Grades 9-12 | Free | $1,000; 2 nights lodging at JASNA’s upcoming General Meeting | June 2, 2022 |
| Cozy Rainbow Creative Challenges | 7-17 | Free | Published and mentioned on podcast | September 1, 2022 |
| National Youth Foundation Writing Contest | Grades K-8 | Free | $500 | July 15, 2022 |
| "I Matter" Poetry Contest | Grades K-12 | Free | $500 | July 23, 2022 |
| NCTE REALM Award | Grades 7-12, college | $25 | certificate + recognition on NCTE website | July 31, 2022 |
| VFW Voice of Democracy | Grades 9-12 | Free | $30,000 scholarship | October 31, 2022 |
| Bennington Young Writers Awards | Grades 9-12 | Free | $500 | November 1, 2022 |
| Rattle Young Poets Anthology | ages 15 and younger | Free | Publication in Rattle | November 15, 2022 |
Where Can You Find Writing Competitions?
Looking for more writing contests? You don’t have to search far! We’ve rounded up a complete list of writing contests for 2022.
Before you enter, be sure to check out our tips on how to win a writing contest. If you’re a high school or college student, you might be interested in these writing scholarships too.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- List of Screenwriting Contests (Updated for 2021)
- List of Flash Fiction Contests (Updated for 2021)
- List of Writing Scholarships Available in 2021
- 10 Youngest Child Authors Who Prove Age Is Just a Number
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
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Hi, I am bushra, a 13 year old resident in india. i am looking for free contests of poetry. contests with cash prizes or recognition is peferable. Thanks :)
Hey Bushra, we’re still working on a post for poetry contests for kids. But for now, googling “free poetry contests for kids” should show a lot of options for you. :)
Hi Kaelyn,
I was wondering if it’s possible for you to add the Cozy Rainbow Creative Challenges to your list. We have ongoing creative challenges on our website and podcast for ages 7-17. The winners get published on our podcast.
Here is our site:
http://www.cozyrainbow.org/p/creative-challenges.html
Thanks Tammy, I’ve added it to the list! :)
Our first round ended. Our next deadline is September 1 if you want to post it here! Thank you Kaelyn!
Hey Tammy, already updated the list!
Check out CarbonRewind.org – there is a challenge which includes journaling for a prizes of up to CAD$1,000!
I know the betty award due dated passed but does it happen next year, too?
Hi Betty, yes, the deadline for the fall contest is October 15! :)
I’m in 5th grade (about to be 6th) is that to young for the middle grades monthly writing contest?
Hey Appie, I looked on the MGMWC and it said younger students could participate too.
~Rebecca Mcmay
Hi Appie, it actually looks like the middle grade contest has been discontinues for now, so I’ve removed it from the list. I’m sorry for the inconvenience!
Hi, thank you for all these ideas! I like writting short stores just for entertainment. Its not poetry or foundation writting or anything like that. I want to join a contest for short stories for free. I am 11 about to turn 12. I am in 6th grade abouth to be in 7th.
Hi Salwa! Thanks for your comment :) Other that the contests on this list, you can enter these short story contests too.
i enjoy writing as well i am eleven. do u know any magazine or contests for narrative writing open now?
Hi kk, in addition to the contests listed here, you can try submitting your work to these publications :)
Hi. My name is Ava. I like to write Long and short stories. Long are adventourous and fanitisy. Short are kind of adventure, and kind of, like deep if you know what that means. I was hoping for a writing contest that I could enter that is free. (12 years old, almost 13) I live in Utah, US.
1000 words creative writing contest is a good one!
Hi, My name is Ava. I write a lot o fshort stories and I was hoping to find a cool contest to put one of them in. One of th problems is that I am only 12 and am in 7th grade.
Hi Ava, thanks for your comment! If you don’t find one on this list that works, you can check out this list of short story contests (I don’t think most of them have age restrictions).
Hello Miss Kaelyn Barron! My name is Coda and I was wondering if you will be hosting any writing comps. I would love to do any writing for you. I can do any things that’s free for entry. I have a thirst for writing.
Hi Coda, thanks for your comment! We actually have a poetry contest open right now. You can find more info here. It does have a $5 entry fee, however.
Hi! My name is Lacey and I love writing. I have wrote a article and a perspective story about my cat. I would love to submit them or write more story’s. When I am older my dream is to be a journalist. So I love doing reports and articles. But lately I cant find anything that sparks me from the list above. Also I live in the states and I am 11.
Hi Lacey, thanks for your comment! I’ll work on updating this list to see if I can find more contests for you to enter. But in the meantime you can enter our poetry or short story contests :) we have no specific prompts or age requirements
Hey, I’m 14 from Utah and have been trying to find a good competition for my poems but none of these seem to be fitting.
a good place is creative communication it allows you to enter a contest and you can get a chance to have you’re poem published.
Yeah, creative communication is awesome!
Thanks for sharing that tip, Ella! :)
Hi Liberty, thanks for your comment! There are several contests here for your age range, but if you don’t like the topics, I’ll be updating the list throughout the year, so check back soon :)
Hi! I am 11 and am looking for a writing contest that is free to enter and the dead line is in June or may. I have not been able to find any writing contest that suite me. Please help writing is my passion. I just finished the ” Listen to a life story.” I live in Michigna please help me
Hi Coda, it looks like the World Historian Student Essay competition could be a good fit for you! The details are in the table above :)
Sadly I didn’t make it in time. If any up come up and would suite me please let me know. I like any content.
– Coda T
Hello Everyone,
Are all these competitions open for kids in Canada?
Hi Priyanka, some might have restrictions regarding citizenship or residency. Double check the guidelines, but I think many are open to writers of different countries :)
hallo my name is cashmir and i currently am 11. i love writing storys but i cannot seem to find a cotest fit for me since soon i will be moving out of the fifth grade. is there any contest here that i could apply for?
Hi Cashmir, there are actually several contests listed here for grades 6 and up, or that include your age range :) check out their guidelines and take note of the deadlines! Best of luck :)
Hullo, I have written a short story of 400-500 words long about global warming and I am looking for a contest to submit it in. (I am 13)
Hi Skyler, that’s great! I think one of the contests on here might be looking for climate/environmental-related submissions. If not, you can submit your work to any that accept nonfiction and don’t have specific prompts :)
Hello my name is misty and I want to write a play but I cant seem to find somewhere I
can write a play I really enjoy writing plays I wrote a play not so long ago and actors from i think Michigan, played it out for e and my class and they said it was the best from the whole 6th grade and since that I’ve been writing plays but no one acts them out. My name is Misty and I’m 12 years old in the 6th grade
Hi Misty, that’s so great that you’re into writing plays! I’m not sure that any of the contests in this list accept plays, but we do have a list of playwriting contests here. I’ll also work on updating this post if I can find playwriting contests for kids :)
“I Matter ” poetry contest I want to participate in that contest but I can’t find form for submission of my poetry I am from India. Please help me
Hi Viraj, here’s the form. However, it says it’s open to students who are residents in the US as well as “international students,” so I’m not sure if that means you have to be an international student living in the US.
I am viraj Shinde from India 9 years old English poet want to participate in compitition 2022 ‘”I matter” poetry contest for kids
No, i live in India
Hi Viraj, if it’s not working I assume it might be because you’re not in the U.S.
It’s because your not in the us
Hi my name is Brooklynn and I am 14 I will be 15 soon, is there any contest that would be good for like suspense or mystery
Hi Brooklynn, the Middle Grade Story Contest or the Bennington awards might be good options for you :)
hello i am looking to publish a poem on bullying, 150 words at least if possible.I am in 5th grade 11 years old and am hoping to join the writing world
Hi Layla, that’s great! There are lots of contests on this list for your age range :) You can also check out this list of poetry contests.
Hi, I was wondering what gives people higher chances of getting good results in writing contests.
~Rebecca McMay
Hi Rebecca, you can check out our tips for entering writing contests for some ideas :)
hi im kenzie and im 10 years old and im looking for poetry contests i cant really find any for my age if you can help that would be great
Hi Kenzie, you can check out some of the poetry contests we have listed here. I believe the Tadpole Press contest is also open to poetry :)
Hi Kaelyn,
Good Morning!!
I have phonics book targeted for Elementary kids, do you publish that?
Hina
Hi Hina, yes, we do accept submissions of nonfiction children’s books :)
I what to enter a contest about endangered whales.
What is best for me?
Hi Riley, any of the contests that accept nonfiction (unless they have a specific prompt) should be a good fit :)
Hi, my name is Sandra, I’m ten years old in fifth grade and I recently got a love of writing Fantasy and I would love to have my book published or entered in a competition but all the ones I see have already passed, money or I’m not old enough. Please help me
Hi Sandra, many of the contests aren’t open yet as they’re later in the year, but keep checking as they may open up soon :) I’ll also try to add some more to the list
Hi, I am 12 years old and like to write long stories, which one would be best for me? and where do I sign up?
Hi Madelyn, the National Youth Foundation’s contest might be a good fit for you! you can learn more and sign up here.
Im kaizlee I 9 years old and I like writing
That’s great, Kaizlee! I hope you consider entering some of these contests :)
These are great! Thank you for the links.
I use http://www.ScoresU.org/poet for engaging, interactive poetry writing activities with my students.
Thanks for sharing, Yuri!
I just entered the $1000 for 1000 words contest! Is anyone else going to do that contest?
~Rebecca McMay
That’s awesome! Good luck, Rebecca! :)
Hi! I’m sure many people will be entering that contest Rebecca!
Hi I am Isabella 5th grade and like to write fiction.What contest is best for me?
I am 11 years old, and I do poetry. I am looking to gain experience in my poetry. Is there a petition that would be best suited for me?
Hi Danni, thanks for your comment! It looks like the last 3 are a good fit for your age!
This is a good contest:https://www.poeticpower.com/enter-poetry-contest
Hi, it’s Rebbecca again, my question is, can Tck publish kids’ stories and poems?
Thank you!
~Rebbecca McMay
Hi Rebecca! We do publish books for children and middle grade books, but not picture books. Unfortunately we also do not publish poetry books.
Ok, thank you!
When I complete my manuscript (whitch will probley be in a year) I will send it in! :)
Awesome, Rebecca! We look forward to reading it :)
Also, Rebecca McMay is a pen name, so when I send my manuscipt in my name will be differant.
Hello! My name is Yuki, and I was wondering how you publish children’s books, and whether or not you could look at my story.
Thanks!
Hi Yuki, thanks for your comment! we do publish children’s books, but not picture books. If you’d like to submit it for our publishing consideration, you can do so here :)
Hi my name is grace I am 12 years old and like to write fiction I was wondering what contest you think would be the best for me.
Hi Grace, it looks like any of the ones remaining for the year would be a good fit for you! :)
Hi,
I was wondering what writing contests I can enter that are free, for 5th graders and are imaginative or adventure themes
Hi Hafsa, I would check out the Tadpole Press and Saint Mary’s College contests from this list. The second one is free. Both have deadlines coming up soon
Hello,
My name is Rebecca McMay and I am eleven years old, and I like writing and I am thinking about trying poetry. But I can’t find a poetry contest that hasn’t ran out of time to submit and one for people my age and for any kind of poetry.
Can you please help me?
~Rebecca McMay.
Oh sorry I forgot to say free to submit it!
~Rebecca McMay
Hi Rebecca, we have this list of poetry contests, I don’t think there’s an age limit for most of these. Unfortunately the ones left for this year come with a submission fee, but I’ll work on updating the list soon, also for next year
Okay, Thank you!
~Rebecca McMay.
Hello. I am ten years old and I’m interested in entering a writing competition. However, I cannot find a writing competition for my age. They’re either for older people, they’re money, or they’re already finished. Could you find me a competition?
Thanks!
Hi Alayna! The Tadpole press contest is open to all ages and closes in November. I’ll work on expanding the list to include more free options though :)
Hi, Alayna,
If you are in 6th grade this year, consider the $1000 for 1000 word contest. Free to enter for Grades 6-12. Submission deadline is Feb. 1, 2022. Details at http://www.bluefire.org
Kaelyn, we’d love to be added to your informative list of student writing contests :)
Hi Jay! Thanks for the information. I added the contest to the list :)
https://www.poeticpower.com/enter-poetry-contest This contest is a good one! Poem contest! -Brianna {11 years old}
Thanks for sharing, Brianna!
Hi, I’m from India. I write poems based on nature. May I know which one will be suitable for my poems?
Hi Debarati, thanks for your comment! I don’t know the themes of each, but I’m sure there are at least several that would be great for your nature poems. You can check out the guidelines of each, it will probably say right away if they are looking for a specific topic, or if it’s more broad.
Hi, I’m from cal. I write fiction novels but I wan tr to enter a short story compatition. Do you by chance know the best one for me to enter and not have to travel?
(I apologize for any mispelt words)
Hi Olivia, you can check out our list of short story contests to enter this year, including our own contest which is open through the end of August :)
Hi, I’m from Malaysia. My 6 year old loves writing and he is very imaginative. How do I enrol him in international competitions? Not necessarily to win but more for exposure.
Hi Vanee, you’ll want to check out the guidelines for each, but I believe many of the contests in this list do accept international submissions :)
Hi. Do you know if there are any writing contests for 10-11 year olds for stories written by a team of two kids?
Hi! my name is Sofie and I love writing poems. in fact I’m really good at it and I would love to enter a poetry contest but I can’t find any that are for any type of poetry. :( please help!
Hi Sofie, have you checked out our list of poetry contests yet? :)
Can the kids residing outside US participate in any of the given writing competitions. Do give some ideas on global writing competition as we reside in UAE.
Hi Sakina, you’ll want to check out the guidelines for each, but I believe many of them do accept international submissions :)
you should check out this contest if you are not older than the 9th grade https://www.poeticpower.com/
Thanks for sharing, Hope!
Hi Kaelyn,
My granddaughter Sofia (10 y.o., 5th grade) does enjoy writing, and I’d like her to be a participant of any contest. Her writing is nice. Could you please give me your advice for her to do. She lives in San Rafael, CA, USA. Thank you very much for your attention. Best regards, Liudmila. October 10, 2021
Hi Liudmila, thanks for your comment! Of the ones that are left for this year, I think the Rattle Young Poets Anthology, Tadpole Press 100 words contest, and Saint Mary’s College River of Words Contest look like a good match based on her age :)
Hi Brittney, I haven’t seen any that specifically say kids can team up, but if you ask, some might allow kids to enter together.
REALY I’M INTRESTED I’M 12 AND WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE SEND ALL THE INFO THROUGH SMS (+2349131542308) FYI DON’T SEND THROUGH GMAIL IT WON’T WORK.
Hi Ebube, you can enter the contests directly using the links from this list :)
Great list! Any way to add another? The literary agency I work with is sponsoring a new fiction-writing contest for kids (grades 6-9). $25 prize. Free entry. Starts in just a couple of weeks! MGStoryContest.com. Thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing, Nathaniel! I’ll check it out and update the list :)