6th Annual Junior Authors Short Story Writing Contest
INTERNATIONAL CONTEST Open to Young Writers Ages 9 to 21 from any Country
We are down to the final month!
Submit your story by MIDNIGHT Pacific Standard Time (UTC -7) on JUNE 30, 2013
Finalists Announced: September 20, 2013
Winners Announced LIVE at the Junior Authors Writers Conference on October 19, 2013
Awards will be distributed after the conference by email
Results will be posted on this website
NOTE: You do NOT have to be at the conference if you win. You will be contacted by email or phone and will still get your prize!
Since winning the 14 – 17 Category in the 2012 contest and being published on this website on October 12, 2012, Simran Hothi’s story has had 3,985 unique views from 91 countries with an average viewing time of 3:45. That is an amazing amount of exposure for a young writer’s short story. (Updated June 7, 2013)
COMPETITION AGE CATEGORIES
Category I Ages 18 – 21*
Top 6 writers receive Amazon gift cards (see amounts below) and a certificate of achievement. First place writer will be published on this website and be considered for paid freelance writing opportunities with Laura Thomas Communications and receive a signed copy of Polly Wants to be a Writer: The Junior Authors Guide to Writing and Getting Published by Laura Thomas. Plus, a press release about your winning short story will be sent to your local community newspaper. See rules below. *You can be no more than 21 years old as of June 30, 2013.
Category 2 Ages 15 – 17
Top 6 writers receive Amazon gift cards (see amounts below) and a certificate of achievement. First place writer will be published on this website and be considered for paid freelance writing opportunities with Laura Thomas Communications and receive a signed copy of Polly Wants to be a Writer: The Junior Authors Guide to Writing and Getting Published by Laura Thomas. Plus, a press release about your winning short story will be sent to your local community newspaper. See rules below.
Category 3 Ages 12 – 14
Top 6 writers receive Amazon gift cards (see amounts below) and a certificate of achievement. First place writer will be published on this website and receive a signed copy of Polly Wants to be a Writer: The Junior Authors Guide to Writing and Getting Published by Laura Thomas. Plus, a press release about your winning short story will be sent to your local community newspaper. See rules below.
Category 4 Ages 9 – 11
Top 6 writers receive Amazon gift cards (see amounts below) and a certificate of achievement. First place writer will be published on this website and receive a signed copy of Polly Wants to be a Writer: The Junior Authors Guide to Writing and Getting Published by Laura Thomas. Plus, a press release about your winning short story will be sent to your local community newspaper. As a bonus, Laura will help the first place winner submit his or her story for consideration to the editor of Stone Soup–The Magazine by Young Writers & Artists, one of the world’s leading literary magazines for writers under 14. See rules below.
Amazon Gift Cards for the top 6 writers in each age category will be awarded as follows:
1st place – $100
2nd place – $25
3rd place – $25
4th place – $25
5th place – $25
6th place – $25
International Junior Authors Short Story Writing Contest Rules
Please read the rules and follow them carefully. If there is a tie for a prize, the winner will be the writer who did a better job following the rules.
Contest closes at midnight on June 30, 2013 (Pacific Standard Time UTC -7)
- Free to enter (A big thanks to all our volunteers!)
- Contest is open to anyone between 9 and 21 years old as of June 30, 2013. Proof of age may be required.
- It does not matter where you call home. Entries from every country are welcome.
- Your story can be about anything you like. Be creative and have fun. We don’t judge on the subject of your story, just on how well you write it. But remember that it will be judged according to the criteria for a short story. This is not a contest for scripts, poems, essays or other genres of writing.
- Your story must be in English.
- Maximum length is 1,000 words. Stories longer than 1,000 words (give or take a sentence) will NOT be judged, no exceptions. Your title and contact information do NOT count toward the 1,000. Only the story counts. NOTE: “I check the word count of each story before it is printed for judging. I have had writers say that their story is 1,000 words when in fact the word count is hundreds of words over the limit. Please respect my time by following the rules.” – Laura, Lead Judge & Contest Manager
- No images, illustrations or fancy fonts. Keep it easy to read. Not sure which font to use? Try Times New Roman 12 pt.
- Include the following information at the top of the first page of your story.
- Word count
- Name
- Age on June 30, 2013
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- TITLE
- Privacy Note: Your contact information is only used for communicating contest information to you. After the winners are announced on October 19th, your contact information will be deleted from our records. If you wish to stay in touch year-round, or find out about writing opportunities or submission calls, please sign up for the permanent mailing list (there is a sign up form at the top of this page on the right hand side).
- Please view a sample of the recommended way to format your manuscript.
- You can also view a sample of a 1,000-word short story with my feedback on my writing blog.
- Complete the online entry form and upload your story in one of these file formats: doc, docx or pdf.
- One story per student only.
- Copyright. If your story wins, you will keep the rights to it. We will ask you for permission to publish your story on this website for others to enjoy and learn from. However, the story remains your property and you are free to submit it elsewhere.
- Judging. There will be three judges reading stories for each category. Each judge provides a score out of 50 for a total of 150 potential points for each story. Each story is judged on its literary merit as a short story including: story structure (plot, characters, setting, point of view), description, style, grammar, and unity. We look at the title of your short story and how well it fits your theme and tone to get your unity score.
Your short story must be in doc, docx or pdf format.
If you have questions about the rules or entry form, please leave a polite comment below and Laura will respond as soon as she can with an answer. (Note: As you can see there are a lot of comments, so if I accidentally miss yours, please send me a polite reminder.)
To view a sample of how to format your short story, please click here.
2013 Junior Authors Writers Conference Information
SOMETHING TO ASPIRE TO… By definition a short story has four basic elements: plot, character, setting, and theme. It deals with one situation or single episode which concentrates on one critical moment or emotional crisis, and is limited to one time and place. All the elements are directed towards a single effect which produces a unity of impression.
Read Winning Short Stories from Previous Years
2012 Winner 14 – 17
2012 Winner 10 – 13
2011 – Winner 14 – 17
2011 – Winner 10-13
2010 – Winner 14 – 17
2010 – Winner 10 – 13
2009 – Winner 14 – 17
2009 – Winner 10 – 13
2008 – Winner – 11 – 17
“I heard about Laura Thomas and people said that she is awesome and she has many awesome writing tips then I opened her site and apparently she holds a writing contest so I decided to join, I guess I could get some tips and tricks to write better.”
- Nazala, Indonesia
Comments (818)
I want to participate in this event, but I’m going to be 21 years old on 18 January next year. Can I still compete here?
Hi Ika. Yes, I will allow you to enter the contest. I will change Category 1 to 18 – 21 years old to work better with the June 30th deadline. But 21 is my limit. By 22 everyone around the world is considered to be an adult! – And to keep up-to-date with contest news, please use the sign up box at the bottom of the page and I’ll add you to my mailing list.
Thank you, Laura! I really appreciate it.
Hello Laura, I have a question regarding the theme of the story; Does it have any restrictions? Or are mild sexual themes aloud?
Hi Selena. There are no restrictions on content. You will be judged on how well you tell the story.
Hi my son is a great writer, but is 8 now and not 9 till 9 July. Can he enter? Thanks
Hi Corrin. Yes. That is fine. On the entry form the lowest age is 9, so please put his age as nine there. Please put his real age at the top of his story.
I am 12 and i was wondering if we will be competing againest the older ones
Hi Indy. As a 12 year old, you will be competing in Category 3 which is for ages 12, 13 and 14.
I submitted a story on behalf of my daughter for the Young Authors competition last Sunday but I don’t appear to have any ackowledgement of receipt. Should I resubmit her story or can you please confirm that you have her story.
Hi Sarah. I have her story. Please check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
Many thanks for confirming. Olivia will be relieved. I think I also clicked the button for “Feedback” but the process didn’t allow me to follow this through. Would it be possible to have feedback on Olivia’s story?
Many thanks again!
Sarah
Is there a place where people older than 30 can compete?
Hi Londle. No, this is a contest for writers ages 21 and under.
please add me to the mailing list.
Hi Brandie. Thanks for your interest in the JA Contest. I have added you to the email list.
Hi,
Can I sent my entries via email? cause my parents wouldn’t allow me to sent anything out of this country.According to my parents it costs too much.Would you please think about it?
Hi Mathumitha. I will think about your problem and get back to you shortly. I may have a solution that would benefit all students, including yourself.
Hi again, Mathumitha. Thanks to your suggestion, everyone will be asked to upload their stories electronically with the online entry form. No more snail mail!
Thanks a lot for your help. I appreciate it.
Hi,
I wanted to know whether we would be given any topic(s) regarding the essay.
Also, I wanted to know if certificates of participation would be mailed to us. Thankyou.
Hello Haya. These are really good questions. You can write a story about anything you like. And, please note that this is not an essay (non-fiction) contest. This is a short story (fiction) contest. If you send in an essay, you will have no chance of winning a prize no matter how well-written it is. The certificates of achievement are for the top six in each category. They can be mailed or emailed. If you want to find out more about what a short story is, please read the stories written by past winners and consider taking the online workshop with me called “How to Write a Winning Story” on January 30th.
That was a great help. Thank you Laura.
Where would I find the stories written by past winners?
Hi Demetrius. Two ways:
1) On this page, underneath the contest rules and an image of a newspaper article, you will see links to past winners by year. There is a heading that says “Read Winning Stories From Previous Years.”
2) In the drop down menu under CONTEST you can jump to the main page for each year. Go to the winning story and you will see a hyperlink that will take you to that story.
Hey Laura,
I wanted to know if our story isn’t almost 1000 words, does it affect our mark if its shorter? or does it only matter on the quality?
Shorter is just fine as long as you have a story with a beginning, middle and end.
How do I enter?
Hi Lovelle. The contest opens January 1st. On that date, there will be an online entry form and a place for your to submit your story electronically. If you wish to be one of the first to be notified when this is ready, please sign up to receive news and updates about the contest. The sign up box is at the very bottom of this webpage.
Do the point of view matter?
POV is not judged separately from plot. However, choosing a POV that serves your plot and makes sense for your main character will help you score higher on that element of your story. If you need more guidance on how we judge the stories, consider taking the “How to Writing a Winning Story” workshop online with me on January 30th.
Dear Mrs.LAura
I’m ifah from indonesia. I’ll ask about
payment to join this competition.
how much money do I have to pay to participate in this race?
Hello Nurhalifa. The contest is FREE (no cost) to enter. However, if you wish to have feedback from me on your story, then you may pay $10 Canadian dollars for that service.
Hello,
I saw the comment about submitting shorter stories, but how long is too long? Thank you!
Hi Victoria. You have 1,000 words to tell your story. That is the maximum length for this competition. Stories that are longer than 1,000 words (give or take a sentence) will not be judged.
So you only need 1,000 words?
If you do,what is the least amount of words you can do?
Hi Niti. There is no minimum, but from past years I don’t recall there being a winning story that was much less than 700 words. Most of the winners tend to be up around 900 to 1,000.
This is going to be the first story I ever wrote so I am going to ask my sister,Katy.She also asked you a couple of questions.
Is it possible to submit more than one entry if you have multiple ideas?
Hi Jenna. Only one story per student this year. If you are looking for more writing opportunities, please think about submitting an article on writing as a Junior Blogger. Details are on this page: http://laurathomascommunications.com/guestbloggerswanted/
Thaks for responding, I’ll look into it!
Hey, I was just wondering if there is topics we aren’t allowed to bring up in our works like drugs or suicide. If we can’t mention that or base our works off of the subject can you please let me know. Thank you.
Hi Tristan. No, there are no limits on subject matter. Go wild!
Hello,
I just wanted to say how fantastic I think it is that this competitiion is open for motivated youth to enter. I think a lot of young talent goes unrecognised in the writing community and I can’t wait to enter Category 3 as one very galvanised 14 year old.
Hi Sebastian. We look forward to reading your story! And, if you are super motivated then why not send in an article on writing for the blog? Details are here: http://laurathomascommunications.com/guestbloggerswanted/
Hello!
This sounds amazing! Could I be added onto the mailing list, pretty please?
Kimmy x
Hi Kimmy. I have added you to the contest mailing list. Your blog looks very interesting. I’ll have a look.
Oh wow! Thank you very much!
Kimmy x
Hi Laura,I was just wondering can our story be a fiction story based on a event in history? e.g. earthquake.
Also could I be added to the mailing list?
Joanna
Hi Joanna. Yes you may base your story on a historical event. And, I have added you to the mailing list.
Thank you so much!
I was hoping we could.
From Joanna
hello
I wonder if the certificates are only for the winner? or certificates will be given to those who join? Thanks! 
Hello Miza. Certificates of achievement will be awarded to the top six writers in each category.
is there an entry fees in joining this contest?
Hello Marwin. The contest is FREE to enter. However, if you wish to find out how the judges scored your story on structure, description, style and unity, plus recieve an email from me with some tips on how to make it even better, then we are offering an optional $10 CDN fee for feedback. You may take the feedback, work on your story and send it in again in 2014.
Hey Laura,
Could you add me to the mailing list and looking forward to writing a story. This is an amazing idea, this competition. I love writing stories and this is just what I needed! THX!
Hi Manmeet. I have added you to the mailing list. I look forward to reading your story!
Hi Laura can you add me to the email list please. Thank you.
Absolutely…done!
Hello,
Can you pls add me to your email list? Thank you.
Bailey
Hi Bailey. I have added you.
hi i want to participate on this competition .how can we participate ..
do we need to write the story online or handwritten
Hello again. You will be able to write the story on your computer, save the file and then upload the file through the Internet. If that is not possible for you, email me at laura@laurathomascommunications.com after January 1st and we will work on an email or snail mail option.
Hi Sarthak. The electronic submission form will be available on January 1st. All the instructions for uploading your story will be there. It will be easy. I will add you to the email list so that you will get a reminder.
Hello. My name is Carolina and i was wondering: above it said in the 15-17 category, “Plus, a press release about your winning short story will be sent to your local community newspaper. See rules below.” Well let’s say I (miraculously) win, does a press release have to be sent to my local community newspaper? What if I don’t want that?
Thank you.
Hi Carolina. You are not the first young writer I have met who is nervous about having her work in the public eye for all to judge. But reality is that if you want to write professionally, you need to overcome that fear. Know with confidence that your art and your voice have a legitimate place in the world. That will help. That being said, if there is a serious risk associated with publicity for a young writer, then I would work around that to ensure safety first. If you wish to discuss this further please email me directly at laura@laurathomascommunications.com.
thanks a bunch Luara! And I will email you
hi Laura please add me to the mailing list
Hi Syeda…I have added you.
Thank you for hosting such a great opertunity. I love entering contests but I find that there are often entry fees, so this is great! Could I be added to the mailing list please?
Hi Katrina. I’m glad you heard about it and that you appreciate that I am working hard to keep the contest free for young writers to enter. I will add you to the mailing list.
may i please be added to the mailing list?
Yes, of course. Done.
Hi Laura,
I’ll be 22 by September 2013. can i participate?
As long as you are still 21 on June 30, 2013 you are golden.
Thanks a lot! that’s a weight off my shoulder!
Great! I look forward to reading your story.
hi laura
i really interest to participate in this compettition, but how do i send the story ? and where i have to look the announcement of the winner ?
this is a great compettition !
Hi Fira. Starting on January 1st you will be able to send in your story online. There will be an online entry form and a place to upload your story. The winners will be announced live at the Junior Authors Conference on October 19, 2013. I will also put the winners up on this website. Before that, though, I will announce the 10 finalists in each category on September 20, 2013.
thank you so much laura , and could you add me to the mailling list please ?
Hi Fira. I have added you to the list.
Hi Laura,
I’m just wondering if we enter online or through postage? If so, where do we post it to?
Hi Angelie. The online submission form will be available on January 1st. If you are not able to use the form and upload your story through the web, please email me and we will figure out a snail mail option. But please try the online form first.
Hello, I have been searching for creative writing opportunities, seeing as I cannot find them at school, and this certainly seems fun! I would just like to know how you came up with this site and if you work with writing as a career?
Hi Daisy. I started the contest in 2008 when I started mentoring young writers in online courses and camps. I did it because I could see that there are not many opportunities for young writers to practice their art outside of school. Kids can take music, fine art, drama, dance…but writing opportunities are hard to find. I can remember what that was like for me growing up. I had no idea where to start my writing career, not even where to get help! But, I figured out my career path and now I work as the director of writing for an online game company. I handle everything from fictional stories for the game world, children’s books, plus non-fiction writing such as their blog, social media, press releases, and user manuals. I even manage in-house communication like memos. It keeps me really busy. I also have a financial blog and have two books on the go. So yes, I earn my living as a writer, every day, and I love it.
So we can write about anything we want to? There are no limitations?
Hi Rose. Yes. Your story can be about any protagonist, any problem, in any setting. Just make sure you honour the word limit.
Hi Laura! Love what you are doing. I’m Nigeian and longing to participate in the contest. Can I? If yes what and what do iahave to do? And can you also add me to your mailing list? Thanks
Hi Oche. As long as you are the right age, you can enter. The rules for entering are written above–one short story of no more than 1,000 words on any topic. The online entry form will be available on this web page starting January 1st. The deadline is June 30th. I have added you to the mailing list.
hi. do we have to do the small fee thing or is it opchinal?
Hi Yasmin. The contest is free to enter. The $10 feedback fee is optional. It is for anyone who wants to know how their story scored on all the elements and who wants to get a personal note from me on how to improve their story.
thank you so much
me again. i was just wandering if we could have a really scary story with blood and knifes. would that be allowed as i know in the rules there are no bownderies of the genre of the fictional story
Hi Yasmin. You will be judged on story structure, description, style and grammar, and unity. You will not be judged on subject matter so you can write a story about anything you like.
Hi Laura! Can you add me on your mailing list? Is it ok if i write more than one point of view ?
Hi Pauline. I have added you to the mailing list. About POV, you can do whatever you like but just remember that you only have 1,000 words to play with. You will have to make your multiple POVs crystal clear to the reader right from the beginning. If your story becomes confusing or hard to follow, your score for story structure will be low.
Hi Laura, I want to ask if the competition is for all nationalities. Thank you
Hi Raphael. Yes, the contest is open to students around the world.
I live in England, can i still enter the competition
Hi Jessica. Yes you can. Anyone who meets the age requirement can enter. It does not matter where you live.
I’m so glad it’s open!!!
I’m having a hard time entering my story because the entry form has ten lines and it says that you must fill up all the lines, but my contact details won’t fill up that much space.
Hi Charlotte. You must provide your name, complete mailing address, title, and word count in order to enter the contest. If you are still having problems even when you input that information, please email me directly.
Can we get a letter of recognition via email if we participate?
Hi Haya. The top 6 in each category will receive their certificate of achievement by email.
Hi,
What about the rest? Can they still get a letter of recognition?
Hello Haya. No, only the top six writers in each age category will receive certificates of achievement. It is a true achievement to have one of the top six stories in this competition.
On the page where you fill in your details, how do you know what you have to writ in each box at the top?
Hi Jessica. The boxes are labeled with the information that you need to enter in each one. For example, the first box in Step 1 says: “First Name.” Does that answer your question?
Yes, I think so, thankyou.
Hi Laura!
I wanted to submit my entry to the contest, but the contact info section of the online entry form was a bit confusing. I’m not sure what to enter in each star or why another box appears every time I try to enter something.
Am I the only one having this kind of problem?
Hi Sana. When you click on each box with the star, it gets highlighted and you can type in it. Click on the first box and type your first name. Click on the second box and type your last name. Click on the third box and type your email address, etc. I have been receiving entries all day through the form, so I don’t think there are any problems. However, if you are still unable to complete the form, email me directly and I will get my programmer to help us out. Email me at laura@laurathomascommunications.com.
Hi Laura.I entered in my story yesterday, and afterwards I realized that I had put the wrong contact information in. What should I do?
Joanna
Hi Joanna. No worries. Please email me as soon as you can at laura@laurathomascommunications.com so that I can complete your entry. I need: your age on JUNE 30, 2013, your correct mailing address, your phone number (if different), and whether or not you would like feedback on your story. Don’t post that info here…just email me personally.
Hi Laura. Thank you so much:)Just a question though. How do I re-enter my story? Do I send that with the email?
Joanna
Hey Laura! I am 12 and have always wanted to be an author. I think it is that first step that counts the most. I was wondering do all 6 winners from each age group attend the conference and if where would it be held? Thanks for putting up the contest I am entering right now as we speak. Good luck to everyone!
Hi Kara. I’m so glad you found out about the contest. To your question…the conference information is on this page of my website: http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/conference/. I would love it if all 24 winners, or even all 40 finalists, attended the conference, but that is not realistic. Most, I’m sure, will live too far away to attend. I will announce the winners at the end of the conference day (you will see that on the conference schedule). The next day, I will contact the winners directly by email and post the results here on my website as I have every year. Did you know that you can read stories by past winners? I recommend you do read one or two stories written by winners in your age range before you enter. The links are on this page.
Thanks
Hi. I submitted my entry in and it said that it was the wrong file type but then underneath it said something like they got the entry. I haven’t got my email yet so I’m not sure if you have my entry yet. I was wondering should I submit again because it says wrong file type?
Hi Ling. I was just about to email you. Your information for the entry form came through but your story did not upload. Please email it to me directly at laura@laurathomascommunications.com.
I apologize for the inconvenience, this is the first year I have used an online entry system so there are a few glitches that have to be worked out which is why I am personally looking at every submission as it comes in. I think it’s going to be better than snail mail…we just have to work the bugs out!
OK. I emailed the story to you.
Got it. Thanks, Ling.
what is the mailing list
Hi Jenn. It’s the easiest way to stay informed about anything and everything I have going for young writers. I won’t share your email address with anyone else.
could you please add me to the mailing list?
Hi, I was just wondering if we put our information in a header and if we include the information in the word count. Also could you add me to the mailing list? Thank you!
Hi Maddy. You can put your contact info at the top of the page or in the header. It does not matter. I just need to be able to find it! No that info is not part of your story so don’t count those words. When you enter the contest you will automatically be added to the mailing list.
Thanks so much!
Hi Laura,
I am so sorry about the changes with my contacts. This is my new email. My old one crashed. Could you also add my new email to the mailing list.
Thank you so much.
Hi Joanna. I have updated your email address.
Hiya,
I want to know if a certificate of participation will be mailed for participating in the contest
Thanks!
I can email or mail the certificate. And, note that it is only the top 6 writers in each category who will receive a certificate of achievement.
Hi Laura. I was wondering what happens if I want to change my story?
Hi Ling. Please send me a an email and explain why you feel you need to change your story.
Interesting! May I please be added to the mailing list?… thank you!!
Hi Cristel. I have added you to the mailing list.
I forgot to include the information at the top of my story however I did enter my name, age, email, word count etc in the details bit. Is this OK?
Many thanks
Hi Lauren. I will put the info on the top of the first page for you.
Hi,
I am now 14 but will turn 15 shortly before the deadline. Which category would I enter?
Hi Lula. Please use the age that you will be on June 30, 2013. I look forward to reading your story.
Hi,
I was just wondering is it okay to swear in my story just because it is junior.
Hello Aisheshek. That’s a really good question. It’s your story, so you can do whatever you want. But, as a general rule, swearing turns readers off and breaks a story’s spell.
Hi, I was wondering, are we allowed to submit an outtake/short chapter from a longer story we have written?
Hi Eleisha. You can, but will it be a winner? It depends on the chapter. Can it stand alone as a short story? Does it have a beginning, middle and satisfying ending? If not, then your score for story structure will not score high enough out of 10 to be a winner. Winning stories generally score 9 or 10 out of 10 on story structure.
Hello, I was wondering, I am from Australia and I am writing about an Australian sport and I am worried it will effect my score if the judges don’t know what i’m writing about?
Hi Ethan. A story is a story. As long as you tell it well, we will understand and it will in no way affect your score. If, however, you must use a specialized word that is not common knowledge, what you can do (to be kind to your reader) is put a footnote symbol next to it and at the bottom of the page give a definition. PS – I lived in Queensland for almost a year after I graduated from high school.
will do
Thanks Laura. The footnote is a good idea. How exciting that you live in Queensland. I live in Canberra. (much colder)
sorry I meant *lived
I lived in Brisbane during Expo 88…that was a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
Hello Laura – my granddaughter has just turned 8, and is a good writer. Can she enter a story in the youngest category?
Thanks.
Hi Liz. That is fine with me. On the entry form, say she will be 9 on June 30th.
Hi,
Please add me to the mailing list.
Thanks
Hi Aathira. Done and welcome!
I have an 8 year old niece who like to write, she will be 9 Nov.4 can she entrer now or does she need to wait until next year?
I am glad you are doing this when my daughter was young I could find no writing contest for her to enter. I am going to encourage her to enter this one, she is now 17. She has problem with keeping her stories short.
Hi Michelle. That’s super. I hope your daughter does send something in. Your niece is welcome to enter. Please indicate that she is 9 years old on the entry form.
Hi Laura,
Are we allowed to submit stories that we have already entered into other writing competitions?
Many thanks
Hi Natasha. As long as the short story is your original and you own the rights to it, you can send it in. Though, if you are at all thinking of a career in writing, then I would write something fresh. It is better to have two different winning stories (rather than one story that has won twice) on your resume.
Thank you Laura,
Just to clarify, it wouldn’t be marked down at all if I were to enter a story that I’ve used before?
Thanks
Helllo, Ms. Laura, I submitted my entry, Her Prince, but forgot to put my information on the first page!!! What do I do?
Hi Mikayla. Don’t panic. I will put the information on for you.
Thanks!
I just realized I totally forgot to add the stuff on the top of my story! Can you add it or should I resubmit? My story’s title is “Draco Liberatorius”, which is latin for Dragon Liberated.
Hi Kaia. I will add it for you.
Hi Laura,
Thanks a lot for this amazing opportunity. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. The guidelines are also meeting my requirements. Thats a great job! Now could you please add me to your mailing list? And when is the last date if submission?
Thanks
Hi Radhika. You are very welcome. It is my pleasure to create opportunities for young, aspiring writers. I remember what it was like when I was young and aspiring, and I had no one to show me the way. You must upload your story no later than midnight on June 30, 2013. I will add you to the mailing list.
Hi, I submitted a story called “Spectacularly Perfect”. However just after i pressed submit, the internet got disabled accidentally. When i enabled it and refreshed, i was told that the story was submitted. Can you please check and tell me if it was received?
Hi Nikilav. I don’t have your story. Please resubmit. But, if you have further problems, please email me at laura at laurathomascommunications.com
Thanks…Also is 1025 words ok?
Hi Nikilav. Yes, 1025 is just fine.
Thanks a lot Laura!!
Hi Laura, if I’m from a foreign country, how will I be able to attend the prize ceremony. Is there a prize ceremony at all? And what exactly is the prize for the winning essay? Are there any 2nd prizes and runner ups?
Also, please add me to the mailing list. Thank you.
Hi Yameena. Please read the category descriptions and you will see a description of the prizes. There are prizes for the top six in each category. The winners will be announced live at the Junior Authors Conference on October 19th in Richmond, BC. All winners will be contacted by email so you don’t have to be there to accept your prize. Please note that this is a short story contest, not an essay contest. There is a big difference!
Hi
Is this contest basically free form? Is any topic/theme allowed (mystery, fiction etc) ?
Thanks
Hi Melissa. There are no limits on subject matter.
What’s a CDN? I am considering submitting a piece and asking for feedback, but I don’t know how much $10 CDN is…Thank you!
Hi Katy. That’s $10 Canadian dollars.
One more question, please. May I have my story sent here and to another contest/publisher? Thank you.
Hi Katy. The best rule of thumb is to send your story to one place at a time. Publishers do not generally like finding out that your story is in two places at once, especially if they want to publish your work. What I do, is send my work to one publisher or contest at a time. If a publisher prints my story, great. Then I am free to send that same story somewhere else.
Okay, thank you!
Hey, I entered the contest, but I never got a confirmation e-mail like it said I was supposed to get. Is there something I did wrong?
Hi Aidan. I have your entry, “Our Future.” Did you check your junk mail folder? The confirmation email was sent on January 21st.
Sorry I didn’t respond till now. No, I haven’t checked my junk mail. Thanks!
Hey,
can you please add me to the mailing list??
Done.
Thanx! And where to submit my entry??
*how to??
Scroll up to the top of this page and you will find the rules and instructions for entering. You will also see links to the online entry form.
Oh I didn’t even read the whole page, how stupid of me :p Anyway thanks..
Hey Laura,
I just found out about this contest and am really eager to apply. I was going through the eligibility criteria which says I must be 21 on the 30th of June 2013.However I shall turn 22 on the 11th of June. Would that mean I am not eligible ?
Hi Tanika. I am very sorry to say that you will be too old to enter. I have to honour the cut off date for age. However, if you are working on having a career in writing, please consider sending in a Jr Blogger article and an application profile.
Hi Laura,
Is there an entry fee for competing?
Thanks,
Smrithi
Hi Smrithi. The contest is free to enter. If you wish to have judges’ feedback on your story, the cost is $10 Canadian dollars.
Hi,
I just wanted to ask if you know any other websites for free creative writing contests because I am very enthusiastic about writing as I want to be a journalist and an author when I am older.
Hi Emily. Off the top of my head I can’t think of the names of other free contests for young writers. Most school districts and governments offer contests aimed at young writers. See what is offered in your community.
I would recommend
http://www3.sympatico.ca/susanio/WWCcomp.html
I found this website and some other story contests on here. I hope this helps.
Thank you for the thought Laura and thank you for the website Betty.
Hi, Laura! I would LOVE to enter your contest, but after I read some of the past winners, I don’t think my story will work. My story is more of a “Silly Story” designed to make the reader laugh. Is that all right? Or is there a specific genre you’re looking for? Also, I’m entering this story for another contest. Is that allowed?
Hi Betty. Silly stories are most welcome! Making us laugh is wonderful. There is no limit on subject matter. Your story will be judged on the four elements listed in the rules. I am okay with you entering the story in the other contest too, but you had better check with them. Just so you know, it’s not considered “best practice” to send in the same story to multiple editors or contests. I would encourage you to write another story, one for each contest. It gives you a great incentive to practice your craft.
Thank you so much for your answer! I hope to enter this contest. I will take your advice and write a different story for every different contest. Thanks again!
When’s the deadline for submitting stories?
Hi Anastasia. The deadline is June 30th.
Hi, I’ve tried submitting my story online, but it said it was the wrong file type or something. I’m sure my story is in a ‘doc’ file type, but it still said that it was wrong. right after it though it said “you will receive an email with more details, and thank you for your submission, we look forward to judging it.” So what shall I do? Is there no way I can send my story to you by post?
Hi Elisa. Yes I have your info but not your story. It is an rtf document which will not work. Please email your story directly to me as an attachment. My email address is laura@laurathomascommunications.com.
Oh, and also I meant to ask about the feedback that you can request….I requested it on the form but it never asked for any paypal details and I am in England and you talk about Canadian dollars….what if I can only pay in pounds?
Hi Elisa. Sorry I missed this comment earlier. I send a Pay Pal invoice so you can pay in whatever currency you like.
Hi Laura,
This sounds great! Could you add me to the mailing list please?
Thanks
Hi Alice. You have been added to the mailing list.
I understand that the stories are judged based on structure, description, style, and unity. But could you please elaborate on the last point? I’m not completely clear on the concept of unity
Hi Nawar. Think of unity like this. Your story is made up of parts: plot, description, characters, title, tone, diction, etc. Each part is like a singer in a choir. Your story is a song. A unified story will have all the parts singing one song the same way.
Thank you! And also regarding the structure: my story is a flashback narrative. So instead of proceeding in a linear format, the inciting incident triggers memories of the past. Is this acceptable, or would I lose marks?
Thank you Laura
As soon as I saw this I knew I would enter it. Its the only competition I have found for teenagers with no entry fee!
As my entry, I’m thinking of doing the story based on a poem I wrote, so I’m wondering if I’m allowed to include the poem in my story? The poem is one I’ve written myself, and it’s on a writing site under my username, but can I include it?
Hi Alice. I’m glad you found us! Yes, you may use your poem in the story. Just remember that this is a short story contest, so I suggest that the poem itself be a minor part of the story.
Ah, thank you! And yes, sure
I’m guessing the poem will still count in the 1,000 words though, right?
Are we allowed to submit many stories or is it limited to one?
Hi Katie. Only one story per student.
My school always requires double spacing. Is there any kind of requirement like that? Also, is there a limit on the number of pages?
Hi Madeline. There is no limit on the number of pages, but there is a limit on the number of words: 1,000. As for double spacing…it is always appreciated. Please have a look at the sample entry.
I really like making story’s so I am so happy to be able to do this and do you have any other websites
Hi Hannah. I don’t have another website but I do have a Facebook page called Write Q&A where I post writing tips and exercises every day.
Hi laura! the first time i m writting for a contest! well it is hard to write a story of 1,000 words, can it be a little less? And the second issue is that would it matter that i am a citizen of Pakistan, not an american and i still can apply for the contest? Waiting for ur reply
Hi Aliza. Yes, your story can be shorter than 1,000 words. And, yes, you can enter. This contest is open to young writers around the world. Have fun!
I think my document might be a RFT. I’ve already sent my story, but can you check to see if it’s attached? And, by the way, sorry I’m writing too many comments. I didn’t mean to. I talk a lot. haha
Hi Brynn. Your story was in the wrong format and did not upload. Please email it to me as an attachment at laura@laurathomascommunications.com. You do not have to complete the entry form again. I have your info.
Hey Laura,
I just wanted to clarify whether the deadline was june 30th?
Also could you please add me to the mailing list?
Thanks!
From Jordan!
Hi Jordan. The deadline is June 30th and I have added you to the mailing list.
I was wandering wether Latin writters could participate… Is it an US contest only?
Thank you in avdance.
Camila
Hi Camila. Yes. Writers from all over the world can participate. It is an international contest.
I was just wondering how many people participate in this contest each year. I just want to know how much competition there is. If you cannot share that information with me, I understand. Thank you.
Hi Betty. I’m sorry I missed your comment. So far this year we have 400 entries from 24 countries. That is more than I have ever had.
Hello. I will be twelve soon, and I wish to enter. But I’m wondering, do I stand a chance in Category 3 against people older than me?
In previous years, I have had the youngest person in a category win. And, remember that is contest is six years old and going strong. If you don’t win in 2013, enter again in 2014. I’ve had writers who have entered three times or more. Every year is different. So, don’t start with a negative mindset. Send in a story and see what happens.
can U plizzzzz add me to ur mailing-list?
Okay…done.
Hi, Laura. I’m Maura from Indonesia. I want to ask you about age proof. Could it be Student Card or something?
Hi Maura. Yes, that would be just fine.
I am having a hard time coming up with my ending.Do you have any suggestions.
Hi Nathan. My writing blog is full of ideas and ways to get inspired. I suggest browsing through the articles. I wrote this article which has ten tips for finding story ideas.
Hey Laura! I was wondering if you were allowed to base your story on a poem? If so, do i reference it? Thanks for the opportunity!
Hi Louise. Yes, you can certainly base your story on a poem. Just be sure that the readers know what poem you are referencing without having to work too hard to do it.
Hi
My friend and I are interested in your competition
We were just wondering if we could enter under to names because we plan to write the story together??
Kind Regards
Sarah Lewis & Caitlin Franke
Sydney, NSW
Hi Caitlin and Sarah. The two of you can co-write a story for the contest. That is fine. You will split the prize if your story is one of the winners. When you fill out the entry form, please just use ONE person’s contact info, otherwise the form will not submit properly. However, at the top of your story, please include contact information (including age, etc.) for both of you.
My 9 year old has written a very lengthy story (over 10,000 words). Any suggestions for an appropriate contest or forum? Thank you!
Hi Beth. Great question. At 10,000 words, it’s outside what the market wants right now. Novels are upwards of 60,000 words and short stories are short, between 1,000 and 2,500 at the most. If your budding young author is serious about breaking in to print, then I recommend using the current manuscript as a springboard to writing a series of short stories and sending one into this contest and also submitting one to Stone Soup Magazine. There are forums out there as well, though I don’t have one I recommend. On my Write Q&A Facebook page, I follow several young writers’ organizations. You can see them in my “Like” section.
Hi Laura. My story is 1027 words (two sentences over). Is this acceptable?
Hi Tasnin. Yes, a sentence or two over the limit is fine.
Hi,
I was just wondering, if this contest has a 1000 word limit, then do the title and my name count in the word count?
Hi Yashvi. No, your name and contact info and the title do not count. And, don’t sweat it too much. It’s okay to go over the limit by a sentence or two.
Hello,
could I also be added to the mailing list please? Thank you for such a great opportunity!
Hi Yashvi. I see you added yourself to the mailing list. Thank you!
Good day,Miss Laura. I am very interested in joining your competition, however, I am a bit bothered by the fact that I do not attend regular schooling anymore, but is currently homeschooling. I am still a student, though. Can I still join?
Thank you and God bless!
Hi Abigail. Yes! Of course. As long as you are between the age of 9 and 21 years old on June 30, 2013 you can enter. And good on you to be so lucky as to be home schooled!
God bless you too.
Hi Laura. My story does not contain any of these at the moment, but I was wondering if you accept things like violence/gore/coarse language/adult themes in stories? I am in the 15-17 age category, if that makes any difference. Thanks!
Hi Jane. We do not judge stories on the content, so you can write about anything you like. We judge on how well the story is told – plot structure, description, style, grammar, and unity.
Hey Laura, I am interested in joining this competition, however I am not resident in the UK. Can I still join the competition?
Hi Lilita. The contest is based in Canada but it is open to writers from all countries. It does not matter where you live.
Haha, I am sorry, I really thought it was the UK!
But never mind, the most important thing is that I can join!!
thnx..
Hi Laura, I was wondering if the top part of your essay including your information counts toward the word count?
Thanks, And can You please add me to your e-mail list?
Hi Bianca. First thing, this is a short story contest, not an essay contest. Make sure you know the difference. And, about word count, your name, contact info and the title of your story do NOT count. I have added you to the mailing list.
How does the critique service work?
Hi Journey. After the judging is finished this summer. I sit down and look at your story again and then write up some points for improvement. After the contest winners are announced, I will email my comments along with the total score your story gets along with how well you scored on each of the criteria: plot structure, description, style and grammar, and unity. The writers who do not take this option get no feedback at all, other than the overall contest results.
Hello, I wish to join the contest. Is there a certain subject the story must be based on?
Hi Yesenia. There are no limits on subject matter. You may write a short story about anything you like.
Hey Laura, maybe a strange question but, must the story be written in american- or british english??
Hi Lilita. It does not matter.
Hey Laura, I have a question, can the story be under 1000 words?
Hi Farhana. Yes. It can be shorter.
Hi Laura. I was wondering if we have to use our real name. I mean can we use an alias?
Hi Charmene. You must put your real name on the entry form and on your manuscript. If you use a pen name, please put that beside your name in brackets on the manuscript.
can i enter
Hi Oliver. As long as you are between the age of 9 and 21 on June 30th you can enter.
Hi Laura, I was wondering if the file name has to be anything specific.
Hi Anna. No the file name does not matter. But please make sure that your file is in doc, docx or pdf format.
Hi Laura,
I have sent my submission titled “BEHIND THE VEIL ON THE OTHER SIDE”. I have not recieved a confirmation email, so can you please notify me whether you have recieved it or not?
Thanks
Hi Ghada. It takes up to 24 hours to send the confirmation email. And, be sure to check your junk folder.
I have checked my email over and over again, I still did not recieve a confirmation. Should I submit my story again?
Hi Laura,
I was wondering if you got my email? How long until I get the confirmation email? I just wanna make sure I actually sent it, my computer crashes a lot!
Thanks
Hi Anna. I see that your email is in the Contest confirmation email list. The confirmation email can take up to 24 hours to arrive in your inbox.
Hi Laura. This short story contest is an amazing opportunity that you have provided for young writers around the world; it really allows me to hone my writing skills! I just wanted to ask: what kind of things should I watch for when editing my final draft?
Thanyou
Hi Tasnin. You story is scored on plot structure, description, style and grammar, and unity. If you are on your final draft just be sure to catch any little mistakes and that your information is at the top of the page.
Hey Laura!
I’m turning 17 this coming April, and I’m really interested in submitting a writing piece for the contest. I would appreciate it if you told me when the deadline is.
Thank you
Hi Salma. The deadline is a the top of this webpage: June 30th, 2013.
Hi Laura,
I was wondering if you get an email if your submission was wrong in the guidelines? And how long does it take for the confirmation to come because it’s been a week? Thank you!
Hi Anna. You should get the confirmation within a day. If you are not getting the contest updates, please let me know.
I have checked my email over and over again, I still did not recieve a confirmation. Should I submit my story again? Its been four days now.
Hi Ghada. I do have your story and you are on the mailing list. You should be getting emails from my address “laura@laurathomascommunications.com” in the coming weeks. I don’t know what happened to your confirmation email. It may be in your junk mail folder.
Thank You somuch Laura
!! I was getting worried!
Hey Laura,
I live in Scotland is it still ok for me to enter? I wasn’t sure because the voucher amounts are written in dollars
Hi Laura. Yes. Writers from every country can enter.
Hey Laura !
Thank you for giving students like me, an opportunity in this competition . I will be submitting my story by the end of may . Can you please add me to your email list ? I really don’t want to miss this competition …. and one last thing, will I be notified about my results through email or should I see this website on the announcing date ? Thank you
Hi Monica. I have added you to the mailing list. I will notify all winners by email and the results will also be published on this website.
Hey Laura, It is my ambition to become a well known author, and I spend all my free time dedicated to writing stories. I am currently thirteen years old and I have already succeeded in writing a 200 page book, obviously not yet published. I just have a quick question about the contest, can you write about absolutely anything? because I have this crazy idea in mind to write about my current life but also I want to spice it up a bit to entertain the readers. If not, don’t worry, I have plenty of other ideas too. Thanks:)
Hi Charlotte. You sound like a young lady with a plan. Yes, you may write on any subject. Have fun!
Hi Laura,
I was just wondering what the rules were in having the story you wish to submit being posted elsewhere. I have a story I wish to submit that I have also posted on a few other sites (not competitions), in hopes of getting some feedback. These sites do allow me to keep 100% of copyright though. Would I need to remove the story from the site to be eligible for this contest? If so I would gladly do so.
Thanks, Ririe
Hi Ririe. You may enter your story in this contest. It’s not a problem at all. I hope you get some good feedback.
Hi! I’ve come across this contest as I am 14 years old. However, I live in England. Will I be able to enter? If so, is there any pay,ent required to enter?
Hi Sara. You can enter from England (or any country) and it’s FREE to enter.
Hi Laura! I saw a short animation with no commentaries at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZJDNSp1QJA and was very touched. Can I write out the story and submit it?
Hi Tan Jeng. Yes. You may write about any topic you wish.
Thank you!
Hi Laura,
Do we have to have 1,000 words or can we have more than that? i have this really good idea that I am going to enter and it,s probably more than 1,000 words. Can I still enter it?
Hi Nabeah. You only have 1000 words, so choose a story idea that will work well at that length. Stories longer than 1000 words (give or take one sentence) will not be judged.
Hi, I submitted a short story a few weeks ago and choose to receive feedback. We recently moved house so I now have a new address to the one on my submission. Also, because of moving house I haven’t had the internet for quite a few weeks, and I’ve only just checked my emails today. I received an invoice for the feedback but didn’t pay it because I didn’t get the emails. I would still like to receive feedback and will now be able to receive the invoice and pay, how do I reapply for the feedback? Also, how can I notify you about my change of address? Thanks.
Hi Elisa. I will follow up and get back to you directly by email.
Thank you
Laura i was confused sorry but i dont get it that how can we send our story, to which website or adress etc
Hi Aliza.
Go to this page: http://jrauthorscontest.com
Then complete the entry form and upload your story as a pdf, doc or docx file.
Hi, Laura
My story is 1,007 words. Will it still be accepted?
Hi Nicola. Yes. A few words over is just fine.
Hi Laura,
I was wondering, could I tell a story from my life? It’s not exactly fiction, but a lot of my piece would be reflection, rather than narrative, so it wouldn’t exactly be an essay, either. If that’s not acceptable, then am I allowed to enter fantasy or sci-fi?
Thank you,
Julia
Hi Julia. It’s a short story contest, so I would take advantage of that and fictionalize a story from your life. But really, it’s up to you.
Hi Laura,
How do you know if you are a winner if you can not attend the meeting?
Thank you!
Hi Caitly. I contact all winners personally by phone or email.
Hi Laura!
I recently got an email from you but it was on a different topic, I was wondering if that was the confirmation email?
Hi Anna. No, the confirmation email is a different email.
Thanks! Did you send me the confirmation email yet? If so, I didn’t get it.
Hi Anna. If you entered a story through the online form, you should have received an automatic confirmation email. Please check your junk mail folder.
what does a pdf doc or docx look like and how do i find one on my computer?
Hi Grace. Whatever program you are using to write your story should have a “save as” button. That will allow you to save the story in many different formats. If you are using Microsoft Word, doc and docx are the automatic defaults.
Hi again Laura,
I have finished my short story. Did you get it?
Hi Caitlyn. Yes, I have your entry.
hi laura! i didnt get ur reply but my story is ready! TO which wesite or adress shall i send it to?
Hi Aliza,
I’m sorry. I did not see your comment until now. Please go to this page:http://jrauthorscontest.com
Then fill out the form and upload your story as a pdf, doc or docx file.
Hey Laura,
I didn’t get a confirmation email once I had sent my story through the online form.
Hi Anna. Are you getting any contest updates? If not, let me know.
Hi
I come from England, and i was wondering if any English winners would still get their Amazon vouchers in dollars, or if it would be in pounds?
Thanks!
Hi Saskia. We will work out whatever is best for converting the currency, but the value of the certificate will be $100 Canadian or $25 Canadian.
Hi Laura!
I am very excited to be entering in this contest–I feel it will give me a good chance to show my talent. Where can I find your daily writing topics for ideas?
Hi Paige. My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WriteQA
Laura, I will be 12 by JUne 30th, do i enter the 12-14 or the 9-11? Also is ittalects ( sorry if i spelled that wrong) allowed?
Hi Taylor. Everyone competes in the category that reflects their age on June 30th. If you are 12 on June 30th, you are competing in Category 3. Italics are allowed, but I don’t recommend using them extensively.
Hi Laura! I’m 12. I’ve entered the contest and I am wondering if I can submit the same piece to Stone Soup Magazine. Would you mind? Would the magazine mind? Thanks!
Hi Mikaere. Magazine editors generally prefer that your story is NOT submitted to two places at once. If you are eager to submit a story to Stone Soup, why not write another story for them? Then when the contest is over, submit the story you sent in for the contest to Stone Soup as well.
Hi Laura,
This is fantastic! I’m so glad you’re hosting this. There aren’t very many opportunities out there for young writers; our age seems to be responsible for closing a lot of doors, even when we’re capable of doing incredible things. I haven’t published any fiction writing of my own, although I was once hired to write a book targeted towards young American kids. I’ve been working off and on on a fantasy novel of my own for years, but I’ve only ever published travel related stories. Check out my blog if you’d like to read some of them. I might attempt to publish some fiction with this though. Keep up the good work!
Hi Hannah. Wow 20 countries! Your parents must be crazy and you must be a pro at describing a huge variety of settings. Your blog looks great and I’m glad you found me. If you need any help with writing, please feel free to post questions on the Writing Help Page. Please also consider submitting an article on writing for my blog.
Hi Laura,
I still haven’t gotten my confirmation email and it’s been more than a month. I sent my story through the online form and I thought the confirmation would be automatic, although I still didn’t get it yet. Was there a problem when I sent mine?
~Anna~
Hi Anna, I thought I responded to you on this. Can you please touch base and let me know if you have not resolved this issue.
I want to write a story, but if I don’t finish it on time, can I withdraw my offer to write?
Hi You-Jin. There is no “offer” to write. You write a story and send it in by the deadline of June 30th, or you don’t. It’s 100% up to you. There is no penalty for not sending in a story! The good thing is that this is an annual contest, so if you don’t have a story for this year, you can work on one for 2014. Have fun and I hope you do make this year’s deadline.
Okay, thanks!
Hi! I just entered my short story into the contest. I recently started blogging, and I was wondering if it’s advisable to share my short story in my blog, or if that violates rules of entry. Thanks for this opportunity!
Hi Carlie. Thank you for asking first. That shows respect. It’s fine with me. But in return for my flexibility, could you kindly mention that you submitted your story to the “International Junior Authors Short Story Contest” with a link to this URL http://www.juniorauthorscontest.com.
Sure thing! I just shared the link.
Thanks, Carlie!
Hi, uhm, I’m interested in submitting to this contest. I’d just like to ask first as I’ve submitted version of my story to the site fictionpress before, an unfinished and crude version, I might add. While the one I will submit is not on there, it does share continuity and characters. So am I still eligible? I would also like to ask about your stance on profanity in the submissions, while nothing too much, I just feel it adds more to the characters and the flavor of the dialogue. Or should I just keep 100% clean?
Hi Harvy. You may submit a version of that story for this contest. And, as for profanity, it’s an artistic choice that is up to you. I don’t encourage it, though. It can be mighty distracting and break a story’s spell.
I see, thank you very much. I still will try to reduce or remove it for my submission. Again, thank you!
Hey,
Just a query – I live in Asia…so can I still submit my story? Is the contest open to all countries?
Hi Shomi. Yes, the contest is open to students from around the world.
Hey
Whenever we write something using MS Word, then the word count automatically shows…as far as i remember, in the bottom. So, should we rely on that word count?
Hi Somidha. Yes, you can trust that word count. Remember that your info and the title do not count in the total.
Oh, one more question! I live in India. Can I enter the contest?
Hi Somidha. Yes. It is an international contest.
Thank you so much! I love writing and I’m an ardent reader as well…this contest means a lot!
Hi Laura, i just found this website, im 15 and will most likely enter next year if this ail still be going on. What if my story is a few words over 1000, lets say maybe 10-30 words? will that still be a problem?
I would enter this year but i dont think i have inspiration to write a story at this time but im still thinking about it.
Hi Erica. The deadline is June 30th, so you might have time to send in a short story this year. It can be really short, like 400 – 500 words, or it can be up to 1,000 words (no more than a sentence or two longer). It’s kind of fun to be part of this. Why not jump in this year? I do have an article on where to find story ideas on the blog that might help: http://laurathomascommunications.com/places-to-find-story-ideas/
Thank you! I love writing, i did a lot of it when i was younger though now i usually dont it in my free time because i feel that its pointless, but this gives a purpose to do so and motivates me to write more.
Thanks for the tips and maybe i will consider entering the competition this year. I think im starting to change my mind about it but i dont know yet for sure. Again, Thank you!
Hi Erica. If you love writing then you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.
hi laura! plz add me to ur mailing list! thanks for the support!
Keep up ur struggle
Hi Aliza. Done!
I am wondering whats a press release? does it just say someone won the competition or?
Hi Hormono. A press release is an article that I will write for the newspaper that talks about the contest and the winning stories. There is no guarantee that the newspaper will print the article as they get it. Sometimes they take the information and then write their own article, and other times they don’t do anything with it at all.
Hello, I’ve submitted one of my original works and I’m just wondering how long it will take for you to judge it. It hasn’t been long since I’ve sent it in, I’m just very excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent as a young writer, and so I hope you reply to this with how long it usually takes, I hope to see you’re reply soon.
Hi Ken. The deadline for the contest is June 30th and we judge over the summer. The results will be announced on October 19th. As for feedback, I’m looking at your entry form and you did not select the feedback option. Only writers who ask for feedback and pay the $10 reading fee will receive personal feedback on their story from me. If you wish to have feedback, please email me directly at laura@laurathomascommunications.com. If you are eager to showcase your talent, you can always submit a Junior Blogger article in the meantime. You will get feedback on that from me within about 6 weeks. Here is the info:http://laurathomascommunications.com/guestbloggerswanted/
Hi,
I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK) and I was just wondering if I would still be aloud to enter this competition?
Thank you,
Scott, 16.
Hi Scott. It is an international contest. Anyone can enter.
Hi,
Also I was wondering what is the maximum amount of stories you can enter? Just one, yes?
Thanks,
Scott, 16.
Hi Scott. One story per person.
Hi. What happens in a conference? Can you explain how it works?
Like its writers and their families attending or? i dont quite understand
Thank you.
- Condom.
Hi Condom. 75 young aspiring writers will spend the day taking workshops. It will just be the students, but parents and siblings are welcome to join us at the end of the day. To see the outline for the day, please visit the conference page: http://laurathomascommunications.com/conference/
What are paid writing opportunities?
Hi John. The winners will automatically be considered for the LTC copywriting team. They will not have to submit applications.
Hi Laura! Its Erica again. Just wanted to say thank you. I am now writing down ideas for my story. I already have the main plot in my head just have to elaborate the style.
Thank you so much for the motivation!
Now everytime i come up with a new idea, i just jot it down for my story!
Awesome!
I was wondering where to put my title, my sixth grade teacher had us make title page.
Hi Hailey. Here is an example of what the first page of your story should look like, including the placement of the title at the top of the page: http://laurathomascommunications.com/manuscript-format/
Hi Laura,
If I send in my online form, will I get an automatic confirmation email sent to my email?
Hi Anna. Yes, you will. If you don’t see it, check your junk folder.
Hi Laura,
My abject apologies, but in my haste to upload, I’m afraid I haven’t added any of my information on the front page of the story. Is there some way I can send you a fixed copy for this?
Hi Jill. Don’t worry. I’ll do it for you. Thanks for letting me know.
Thank you so much ^^ I’m really sorry about that.
Hey, Laura,
Two things:
1. I went in to the trance of writing, and wrote almost a full short story, with a really unique plot, before discovering that it was really depressing, will that affect my grade score?
2. I have this poetic flow of words when I write, which some people find really beautiful, and others think I need to rewrite the passage, when I read two of the winning stories, non of them were in my poetic style, is the style of writing a part of the grade?
Hi Hava. We do not judge on subject matter. We do judge on style: 5 marks out of 30. If your style takes away from the enjoyment of reading or is hard to follow, you will get a lower score. If you are not sure, ask a friend to read your story and let you know if it is easy to follow or not. There is a time for poetry and there is a time for clear prose. This is a short story contest, so clear prose matters.
Thanks Laura,
but I gave my story to my dad to read, and he found it so depressing he told me I just had to change it, so I began over, I guess I’ll read it next time I’m drunk with victory over something. I’ll work on a new style; mix a few personalities in to one soul, hopefully it won’t come out to bad, thanks mam for your time.
I really want to participate…. Thanks Laura for this opportunity.
Super. I look forward to reading your story!
I am in the middle of my story and i feel as its stupid.
What do i do? do i start on a new story or do i try to develop it?
but i cant find a way and ive worked hard. What is your advice?
Hi Erica. You cannot possibly know if it is stupid or not when you have not even written the ending! Tell your inner “dragon” (that nasty little voice that says your story is stupid) to go to Disneyland so you can finish your draft. Keep writing…and if you need more encouragement, contact me any time.
Do we have to post our actual story to you?
Hi Jadis. Yes you submit your story as a doc, docx or pdf file through the online entry form.
Hi Laura! What if your story is a word or two over 1000, and there’s no way you can cut anything else? Is the story allowed or not?
Thanks!
Hi Katy. Yes. A sentence or two over the limit is okay.
Hey, Laura, can you give me an example of how you would judge story structure, description, style, and unity, I feel lost, not knowing exactly what you’re looking for.
Story structure refers to your plot. Does your story have a beginning, middle and end? And, is your plot appropriate for the short story form?
P.S. what is story structure???
If you are not familiar with plot or story structure. Google “plot structure” and you will see some examples. If you are not sure what a short story is, I recommend taking the online workshop with me on April 13th.http://laurathomascommunications.com/winning-story-workshop/
Thanks, Laura, I’ve got experience writing, I just need an idea of what you’re looking for in it, a natural flow? Things that connect, building up to a climax… I find it harder to write without a base, like building a building without polls to hold it up; I need to feel sure of myself. You said it could be anything we like, but can you be a little bit more particular in how you’re searching for the curtain thing??? Like say, give us a sample story with little markings on mistakes as well as things that were good about it. Maybe you could even do it on a winning story, and that way you won’t be displaying any new work.
All the past winning stories are on this website. That would be the best place to start. You can hyperlink to each year in the main menu bar under “Contest.” If after reading all of the first place stories you still have questions about what makes a good plot structure in a story of this length, please let me know.
And, thanks by the way for letting me know there were comments that I missed. I really appreciate that!
Hi! I’m 12 and i was just wondering if you knew of any techniques to inspire somebody my age. I am a very creative person and I just need a little inspiration to get me going. Thanks
Hi Tessa. Here is an article on 10 places to find story ideas.http://laurathomascommunications.com/places-to-find-story-ideas/
Thank-you so much! Also, are you allowed to submit more than 1 story?
Hi Tessa. No, just one story per student.
In the story, do you judge on proper spelling? Also, would it make a difference if you didn’t indent? Sometimes i accidentally forget to indent.
Hi Tessa. Spelling is part of the style mark which is worth 5 out of 30 marks. Make your manuscript as nice to read as possible. It will impress the judges. And, please proofread carefully before you submit your story.
Does the title count as a word? Thank you!!:)
Hi Alice. The title does NOT count.
Thank You!!
Hello,
)
First of all I would like to say thank you for giving young writers such a good opportunities. Sometimes it’s hard to find contests that have no fee.
Second, I was wondering if 1021 words was okay, that’s two sentences over and I’m not sure if I can cut anything else out(I originally have 1044 words
Thanks,
Emily
And can you add me to the mailing list
Hi Emily. One or two sentences over the word limit is okay, but no more than that. And, yes I will add you to the mailing list.
Thank you!
Hi Laura,
I am really confused because I sent in an online form, but I never got a confirmation email to my email. Was there a problem when I sent it and do you have my story? If not, you must’ve had an error when you sent it to me or you didn’t send it.
Hi Anna. I have your story titled “Scorching Gem.” The confirmation email was sent to the email address you provided on the online entry form. Please check your junk mail folder. If “Scorching Gem” is not your story, and you have entered a different one, please email me directly at laura@laurathomascommunications.com.
Hey Laura,
That is my story title. I am pretty sure the email address I provided was the one I am using right now. I never got any confirmation email from you, and I did check my junk mail. Although, you have been sending me stuff unrelated to the confirmation email.
Hi Anna. Good. Then, I have your story and you don’t need to worry. There is no additional info you need from the confirmation email that you don’t already have from the more recent emails from me. So you are good to go.
Hey Laura,
Thank you so much, I was really confused about the confirmation email.
Hi Laura, sorry to bother you again but you didn’t answer my previous question: If a story is a word or two over 1000, is that acceptable? Thank you, and sorry for sounding so pushy and impatient!
Hi Katy, I’m sorry I missed your question. Yes, a few words over 1,000 is just fine.
Hi Laura, I’m planning on submitting an entry too. My story is 99.9% in English, but I have added some Chinese slang just for the accent of speaking (and I have repeated the same word again in English). Is this ok?
Hi Cerc. Sure. That sounds fine. But, I would give it to a friend to read before you send it in. Ask your friend to tell you if the accented dialogue is distracting or not. You don’t want to break the spell of the story.
Hi again, it’s the teen blogger from Hong Kong again. Sorry for sending so many questions, but would you prefer Ameircan spelling or British? For example, color or colour? Or does it not matter because it’s an international competition? Thanks.
Also, I would be very appreciative if you could drop by and have a look at my blog, http://www.cercalicious.wordpress.com
Hi again, Cerc. It does not matter, but, for the record, Canadian English has elements of both American and British spelling. Your blog looks like it would have great appeal to teen girls. Nice work!
Hi Laura!
I’m planning to enter a story and have read the winners of the previous years. All of their stories are very sophisticated! Mine is a story designed to make people laugh.
I was wondering: will you knock off marks if in speech, a certain character doesn’t use grammatically correct speech? (for instance, “Me life flashed before me eyes!”)
Also is there anything you judge a story on? Any criteria you think will make a story better?
Thanks a lot,
Ellie
Hi Ellie. You won’t lose marks for slang or colloquial dialogue, unless it is distracting or causes confusion for the reader. As for what we are looking for. Each judge gives a story a score out of /30 based on the following criteria:
/5 marks for style and grammar
/5 marks for title and unity
/10 marks for plot structure
/10 marks for description
My online workshop goes deeper into the art and craft of short story writing and gives tips and suggestions that apply to this contest and any other short story contest. It is well worth the $10 and 75 minutes of your time. http://laurathomascommunications.com/winning-story-workshop/
Hi, again, Laura,
Thank you for your snappy reply, its really appreciated. As for the advice, I will take it to heart and try to base my story around the things you are looking for. Thank you for the opportunity; you don’t usually find such devoted people around these days with such a passion for literature.
Off to proof-read my story now!
Ellie
Hi Ellie. Thanks for the positive feedback!
Hi Laura, sorry to bother you,
You seem to have missed my question? Not sure if you could answer it. it was “Do we have to fill out personal details on the entry form e.g. phone number and address?” It’s just that my dad is worried about sending things like that over the internet. Please reply,
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca, yes I sent you an email and replied via the comments. If you still don’t see the message after checking your junk folder, please email me at laura@laurathomascommunications.com
Hi,
I wrote a short story in English last year and I was wondering if I was allowed to submit it?
Hi Sophie. Yes. You may.
Thanks for the quick reply! Sorry it seemed a stupid question, I was just checking as it’s been marked and everything
Hi Sophie. You are not the first to ask and it’s a really good question.
Hi Laura. I was just wondering, can I submit the same story to this competition and another competition? Thanks
Hi Alex. Yes, that is fine with me. You should also check with the other competition’s organizers. You don’t want to DQ yourself.
im 13, can i submit the start of my novel? if i can is it free to enter?
Hi Phoebe. Excellent question. You can, but in all the years I’ve been running this contest a first chapter of a novel has never won a prize. A short story is not the same as a novel chapter. I strongly recommend that you craft a short story that has a beginning, middle and end.
Hi, I am a 15 year old who scribbles on the keyboard all the time but hasn,t yet got that success. that, the reason ilove what you have done, and( on amodest note) i would like to win this thing. will the potential of my work depend on its content the style or simply the bombastic words…abd 9almost forgot) please add me to your mailing list
Hi Kanishka. I’m glad you found us. We judge stories on plot structure, description, style, grammar, and title. To be added to the mailing list, please fill in the subscription box in the top right hand side of this page beside the picture of the typewriter.
Hi, I was wondering what category I would be sorted into. June 30th is actually my birthday and I’m turning 15 on that day. Would I still be part of Category 2 or 3 ? (:
Hi Sharon. If you put on the entry form and on your story that you are 15 on June 30th then you will be placed in Category 2.
Hi, are we allowed to write a story based on a true story? I have written a short story about my best friend who died recently and I wanted to know if I could submit it. Thank you. Emily
Hi Emily. I am very sorry to hear about your friend. Short stories that are based on true stories are often very powerful. Please feel free to enter it in the contest.
Are politics aloud in the story? Like, Israeli politics them being what they are…?
Hi Hava. This is a short story contest. Short stories are a type of fiction writing, so any subject matter goes. You can write about anything you like. Just make sure it’s a story.
Listen, just about every Israeli has gone through rocket shootings,I think I’ve got a story.
Go for it!
Hi,
I am very excited to be apart of this contest but I am having problems picking just one story.. Are people allowed to submit two?
Hi Delicia. I’m sorry, only one per writer. Most of our judges are volunteers. If I allow more stories per writer, I will have to charge an entry fee to cover the cost of judging.
hi!! can u plz help me with the last submission date 4 the contest?
Hi Amen. The deadline is June 30, 2013.
HI LAURA,I AM TRYING FOR THE 6th Annual Junior Authors Short Story Writing Contest UNDER 12 TO 14
CAT.CAN I LEAVE THE STORY’S ENDING TO THE READERS IMAGINATION?
THX
Hi Cornalia. It’s a creative decision that is up to you. Just be sure that the ending is satisfying for the reader and is actually some kind of ending. Not sure? Ask someone to read it for you before you send it in.
HI LAURA,I AM TRYING FOR THE 6th Annual Junior Authors Short Story Writing Contest UNDER 12 TO 14
CATEGORY.CAN I LEAVE THE STORY’S ENDING TO THE READERS IMAGINATION?
THX
Hi! I am going to enter the contest for this year.. but I just have a question. it may sound dumb, but can I write about anything I want?
Hi Angela. It’s fiction so you can write about anything you like! Just make sure it’s a story.
Hi Laura.
I will turn 22 years old this November 2013, so am I still eligible for this contest?
Hi Joyce. If you are 21 on June 30, 2013 you can enter. It will be your last year, but at least you can enter once!
thank you
hi there LAURA! well i just had a query about the criteria for selecting the winner and the dates results will be out.
Hi Austin. The results dates are at the top of the page. Finalists will be announced September 20th and winners will be announced on October 19th. Three independent judges score each story out of 30 marks based on: story structure, description, style, grammar, and unity.
Hi Laura, I wrote a short story for my English class that I wish to submit, but the assignment was to create a scene from john Steinbeck’s “The Pearl” with that said my story contains things like setting and characters from the book would that be considered Plaigirism if I were to enter it if not would that go against me in scoring in any way?
Hi Cassie. If the story is entirely in your own words, it’s not plagiarism. And, we don’t judge on the subject matter of the story, just how well you tell it.
Hello,
Do you ever accept stories from children younger than 9? My son will be 8 in June and has been writing for over a year already, mostly comics but has written his first story recently. Clearly, this is something I’d like to encourage and I feel that entering him into a contest would be very encouraging no matter the outcome.
If he has to wait a year that is understandable. If this is the case do you know of anywhere else I could send it for him? We are Canadian if that matters.
Thanks in advance
Christi
Hi Christi. It’s really up to you. When you complete the entry form, please select 9 as his age (is it’s the lowest age on the list) but at the top of his manuscript please put his real age. Please note that he will be competing against keen writers ages 9 through 11 in Category 4. There is no category for younger children. If you and he are okay with that, then he may enter.
Hi Laura.
If you’re not in 1st-6th place, do you get notified by email?
Thank you.
Hi Molly-Rose. I wish I had the time to notify everyone, but I don’t. What will happen is that on September 10th I will post the top ten finalists on my website on September 20th. Then on October 19th the winners will be posted and contacted by me personally. Only those who opted to get personal feedback from me (the $10 option) will get their scores and their placing in the ranks along with feedback on their story. Everyone else will get an email from me when the placings are up on my site.
Does the mandatory set up use up some of the thousand words you are allowed to use?
Hi Hannah. No, just your story itself counts towards the 1,000 words. Not even the title counts!
Just another question. Are you allowed to make a remake of a story that happened around three thousand years ago. As in can you take a story and twist the words around and turn it into something completely different?
Hi Hannah. Yes. Short stories are fiction. You can make up anything you like, even change history!
Hi Laura I was wondering if I can submit creative nonfiction piece or is this contest restricted to fictional stories?
Hi Stacie. It’s fine. Just be sure your story fits the short story format, that’s what we are looking for.
Hi Laura!
I noticed that you stated ‘Plus, a press release about your winning short story will be sent to your local community newspaper.’ I’ve read through all the comments and this question has come up before but you told the other person to email you for further information about it. Let’s just say, a possibility, I was placed , and I really preferred the short story not to be sent to the local newspaper. What would happen?
Thanks Laura!
Sharon
Hi Sharon. If a winning writer does not give permission to have his or her work published in a newspaper, it cannot be published. Writers retain control over the copyright of their stories.
Hey Laura!
My story is 1,315 words…which I believe is too long for the contest. Am I right about that or will it still be judged if I enter?
Thanks!
Hi Cody. At 1,315 it’s too long and will not be judged. No exceptions. Following the rules is the first step to winning.
Okay! Thanks! I’ll see if I can’t chop it down a bit.
Another question regarding length. My story is 1,143 words. Do I need to continue to shorten it?
Hi Ann. One sentence over the limit is okay, but please be aware that if there is a tie between two stories (one that is 1000 words or less and another that is over 1000 words) the one that honours the word count will win. Following the rules is the first step to winning a contest like this.
So my friend isn’t willing to submit her story using her email just incase its a spam or something like that. It’s her story and everything she just needs to use my email which i am using to submit my own story. So would it be alright if i send it using my email?
Hi Hannah. There’s no spam, just contest updates, as needed, and those emails will be from me personally. She can use your email address for the online form but her real contact info needs to be on her story so that I can verify her info if she is a winner.
Hi Laura,can I write the story about ghosts? How can know the results? I’m writing for the first time in story writing competition. can you give me some tips…..
Hi Harini. Yes, you my write about ghosts or any subject you like. We judge the stories on how well they are told. The results will be posted on my website. I will email all the contestants to let everyone know when the results are available. The best tip I can give you is to follow the rules. And, write a story that you enjoy reading.
Hi Laura.
(I’m 11) My topic is very silly and I’m afraid the judges will turn it down because of that. Is that true?
Hi Duha. We don’t judge on the topic at all. We just judge on how well you tell your story. So silly stories are most welcome!
Hello! My story is about 60 words over the limit, can I still enter the contest? Thank you!
Hi Emma. Of course you can enter, but stories that are more than a sentence or two over the limit have a very low chance of winning a prize. I recommend that you try to get that count as close to 1,000 as you can. The first step to winning a prize is following the rules.
I can’t seem to locate the specifics on the theme? Sorry if it’s obvious and my eyes are playing tricks on me with this website, but if you could tell me the theme I’d be greatful
Hi Sami. There is no theme. You may write on any theme you like. We only judge how well your story is told, not on the subject matter.
Hey Laura,
Yes you did solve this problem, thank you, that was an earlier post.
Hi Laura,
I’m sorry if someone’s already asked this question, but there were so many comments I simply couldn’t read them all first.
I noticed you mentioned that we still own the copyright to our work and so we are free to submit it elsewhere, and wondered whether I have to await the results of the competition before I do this or whether I am free to submit it elsewhere now?
I would also like to be added to the mailing list.
Thanks!
Hi Florence. I am okay with you submitting your work elsewhere. However, if it is accepted by another publication and you are a winner of this contest, they may not allow your story to appear on this website and you will miss out on a lot of readership! Our winning stories get a lot of readers!
hi Laura
i’m 13 and thinking of entering the competition but my story is just under 400 words, is that ok? would i still have a chance of winning?
Hi Poppy. If it’s a well-written short story it will have a chance of winning. Length does not matter, though be sure that you have given us enough detail that we can see the story in our imaginations.
Hi Laura
I entered a story but it is a little longer than 1000 words is that okay?
Hi Sindhuja. If it is more than a sentence or two over the limit, it will not be judged.
Is it necessary to write a story with very difficult twisted words or a simply written but good story stands a chance of winning??????
Hi Neha. A good story, simply written is better than a story that is hard to follow because of the “twisted words.”
Does it have to be a story? Or can it be like a thought of something?
Hi Nora. It’s a short story contest, so it will be impossible to win if you don’t submit a short story no matter how good the writing is.
can it be a monologue? the characters that are named are totally made up and the story line is totally made up, it has a beginning middle and end but i just thought i’d check
Hi Poppy. A monologue is a piece of writing meant for an actor on a stage. It’s just dialogue. That is different from a short story told in the first person which by definition has a setting, plot, theme, characters and some dialogue. No matter how brilliant, a monologue cannot win a short story contest.
I entered the contest and I just want to say I’m eager to know how I did. I know I tried my best. And I want to Thank U Laura for allowing me this wonderful oppprtunity to enter such a dynamic contest. (Anxious)
Hi Jerrika. I’m glad you entered. In the meantime, please take advantage of all the free resources I have.
ok, I will. Thank u so much.
Hi Laura, I was wondering, in our story, are we allowed to have two different point of views?
Hi Eleisha. Yes. just be sure we can follow along easily.
Hi Laura,
I know that the judging is based on four categories, but could you please just clarify a little more about description and style? I know what they are (mostly), it’s just I’m not sure how they would be applied in the context of judging. Like, I’ve written my story and I’m quite happy with it (athough I haven’t submitted it yet), but I’m not sure if it would lose marks in the description category because I haven’t particularly described the setting or anything like that as I thought that the details of setting were implied in what I had said, so I didn’t think I had to explicitly mention them. Would I lose marks?
Thanks,
Lindsay
Hi Lindsay. For description – to get a high mark a story needs to be described vividly from beginning to end. For style – to get a high mark a story needs to have few errors and be highly readable.
Thank you, that really clarifies things for me.
I don’t think I’ll score too badly on style, but I’m not sure how I’ll do with the description. Do you have any tips on how to gain marks or improve in that area? When you say ‘described vividly’, do you mean that the reader needs to be able to see what’s going on at every stage in their mind? So you need to continually paint a picture in the reader’s mind, as it were?
Hi Lindsay. Let’s put it this way. Any setting, object or character in your story that really matters to plot advancement or characterization deserves attention.
hi laura
could i send more than one short story?
Hi Sindhuja. No. Only one story per person.
My story is 1039 words including all the info about myself andthe story. Will that be judged?
Hi Sindhuja. Is it more than one or two sentences over the limit? If so, it will not be judged.
Hi Laura
It is about 2 sentnces but like maybe a 4 word end sentance is that okay?
Hi Sindhuja. It’s borderline and if two stories end up with the same score and tie, the winner will be the story that honours the 1000 word limit.
Hey Laura, I’m 12, and I want to enter the contest. I was just wondering about the conference: is it mandatory for winners to attend? Because I live in Ontario, and getting to BC will be quite a hassle, and quite expensive.
Hi Olga. The conference is just for fun. I will be announcing the winners at the conference but the winners certainly don’t have to be there. I will be emailing or calling them to let them know.
Hi Laura,
I just came across your website – its a wonderful initiative:) Could you recommend any sites with opportunities for younger writers? My daughter is 6 and loves to write. I have not been able to find anything so far.
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Hi Anjum. I am not familiar with writing sites for primary school age children. Her teacher would likely know some online resources for that age group. Good luck and I hope that she is still into writing when she’s nine!
Hi Laura,
the story is meant to be 1000 words, does the name and the title count?
Hi Sara. No, only the body of the story counts, not the title or your contact info.
Hello Laura,
I was wondering if the stories we are submitting are allowed to include pictures. Not as illustrations, but it’s part of the story. Your website is marvelous, by the way.
Hi Tanya. Thanks. You will only be judged on the text of your story. We will ignore images. And, if you send a piece of writing that is not technically a short story, then you will have no chance of winning, no matter how good it might be.
Hello, i just submitted a story for the 15-17 contest but im not sure if it went through. i never got any kind of confirmation e-mail, nor did i get the invoice for your feedback.
Hi Nicole. I just received your story and request for feedback. You should get the auto-responder message within the hour. I will be processing today’s entries Monday morning and will send the Pay Pay invoice then.
Laura, is there no topic for the competition? So can we write about anything we want?
Hi Urvi. Yes you are correct. We don’t judge on subject matter, just on how well you write your story. You can write about anything you like.
Oh! Thanks a lot.. I am looking forward yo this. I will send my entry
Hi! I have written a purely fiction piece but its coming upt0 precisely 149 words. Is it alright, or do I need to cut it down?
Hi Poorva. Do you mean 1,149 words? If that is the case, your story will not be judged. I do not recommend going over 1000 words.
I’m sorry, I meant 1,006 words.
Hey! Just wondering weather the story can end with a cliff hanger or something? Like as if the problem isn’t totally resolved? Thanks!
Hi Elsie. It really depends on how well that ending fits the rest of the story. A short story should have a satisfactory ending, it shouldn’t just stop.
so in the story is violence or graphic descriptions aloud?
I only have a genaric document program. May I send in my entry as a rtf. file?
Hi Stefany. I am not able to open rtf files. Can you convert it to a PDF before you upload it? Here is a free online converter that I use from time to time. http://docupub.com/pdfconvert/
Hi Laura! I have written out two stories for the contest but I’m not sure which one to submit. Is there any chance that I can submit more than one entry? Is there a limit to how many stories one person can send?
Hi Sapphira. If I allowed more than one story per writer I would have to charge an entry fee to cover the extra judging and administration costs. So, only one please!
Hi! So I have a story but its like four words over 1000 so am I aloud to finish the sentence? Its one sentence that starts at 998 so is it ok if its like 4 words over?
Hi Sophie. Yes. You should finish the sentence, but keep it as close to 1,000 words as you can.
Hey. I wanted to know if I could post my story on my blog and still be eligible for the competition, but I saw that someone else had already asked the question.
My scheduled posting date is TODAY, So, using what you told her, I went ahead and posted the story that I’ve entered for this competition on my own blog, and linked back to this page, as you asked of the original query [My post will go up in an hour or so].
But since it’s respectful to correspond, I figured I’d at least let you know what I’m doing after the fact; and, of course, take the opportunity to thank you for the writing challenge. It’s always good to test one’s literary mettle.
Hi Matt. I don’t mind if you story is on your blog too. Glad you are enjoying the writing challenge. How many pages so far? I’m only at 18 so I’ve got some writing to do this weekend!
Also is graphic description of violence and stuff aloud?
Hi Sophie. It’s really up to you. We don’t judge subject matter. However, if your story wins and it is too violent for public viewing online then it will not enjoy the benefit of all those readers who visit my site because I will not publish it.
Hi Laura!
Is it okay for me to send my story to you to edit, and then we can submit it to the contest? If so, would it cost money, and how would would I do it?
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi Catherine. No, I’m sorry I cannot. I am the lead judge for the contest, so I cannot read and give feedback on stories that are being entered in the contest.
Is prose form of a short story allowed?
I hope that your short story is written in prose form. If you write it in verse (poetry) then you will have a narrative poem and not a short story. A narrative poem cannot win a short story contest, no matter how good it is.
Hi, I was wondering if it’s a problem that my word count is 1300 words, give or take. my short stories are generally quite long and no matter how much I tried I cant redice anymore without losing really vital parts. Is that just too may words?
Thanks
Hi Ishara. Your story will not be judged at 1,300 words. No exceptions to the rules. It would not be fair to all the other writers who followed them.
Is it alright if the story is inspired by an already published story? For example, would a story written about beauty and the beast (but a different plot, and general story line but with the same names and some parts of the story line) be allowed or not?
Hi Upasana. Yes, it is allowed. It does not matter where your plot idea comes from as long as you are coming up with your own material.
Does it matter if the characters and the background are previously published as well?
Hi Upasana. No, that is fine with me.
Hi Laura
If my story is 2 sentences over the limit and about 4 words more will it not have a chance of winning?
thanks,
sindhuja
Hi Sindhuja. I strongly recommend that you keep your story as close to the 1,000 word limit as possible.
Hi, my story is 1036 words, should I make it 1000 words?
Hi Mirela. Yes. I recommend that you get it as close to 1,000 words as possible.
I am from Bangladesh. I don’t have any states or provinces, so how will I enter?
Hi Tasnimah. On the entry form put Bangladesh as your state and as your country. That will be just fine.
I have a very unique idea for this competition, only I have been trying to write it for about a month, and still haven’t got one word down, I imagine it all in my head, but I still can not seem to manage to transfer it into words. I guess I need some sort of inspiration.
Hi Charlotte. You are thinking way too much. I can hear your inner “dragon” coming through loud and clear. Send your fussy, negative dragon to Disneyland for a week so you can get your story out of you head.
Hi, did we have to send the story on January 1 or anytime before June 30? I am very confused right now.
Hi Rasma. The deadline is June 30th, which means you can send it in any time between now and then…but no later than June 30th.
hi I am 15 and from INDIA,wanted to know some themes over which i could write a story as i find it really hard to find the theme if you could give me some ideas i would be very thankful to you…. regards
Hi Tanay. Here is an article that will help you find story ideas. http://laurathomascommunications.com/places-to-find-story-ideas/
My telephone is not working, can I give my mobile number?
Hi Tasnimah. Yes that would be fine.
hi i am from INDIA and wanted to know if certificate would be given to everybody or to the winner only,and if i write a story with sad ending or with sad content will my marks be deducted in it
Hi Tanay. Only the top six winners in each category will receive certificates of achievement. It does not matter what kind of ending you have. We only judge on how well a story is written, not on subject matter.
Hi! This may seem a little unorthodox, but I was wondering if I could put a dedication before my short story. I recently lost my gran (my biggest fan when it came to writing) and I know she’d be overjoyed at the idea of it. Is this ok?
Hi Jenni. Yes, you may.
“Contest is open to any student between 9 and 21 years old…”
What do you mean by “student”?
Hi Igor. Great question. I mean anyone between 9 and 21 years old can enter.
Hi laura would it be possible to change the amt of words to 1100-200.
I know a lot of people who have great stories who can’t enter many competitions because of the word limit.
would that be possible?
Thanks,
sindhuja
Hi Sindhuja. No. My assistant judges are volunteers. I cannot ask them to read more without charging an entry fee. For a free contest 1000 words is enough.
Can I enter more than one story to the contest?
Hi Mary Beth. Only one story per person. Send in your best one!
Hello, Ms. Laura.
I am currently a twelve year old, and I’ve always been a huge, dedicated fan of books! I’ve read through all of these posts for additional information, as I happen to be very interested in this contest. A few posts ago, I noticed that Jenni mentioned a dedication. I honestly don’t believe that a dedication would be counted in the amount of words after reading your replies to everyone, but it never hurt to be safe than sorry.
On the other hand, thank you for this amazing chance! I’d be glad to enter every year, should I have the right ‘writing juice,’ as I call it. I’ve seen more free contests than most people on here seem to have, but this is the only one that stood out to me. Thank you once again, and I hope that you have the time and funds to host this for many more years to come.
Hi Kat. I think this contest will be around for another six years…or maybe even longer. Thanks for saying hello.
Is it ok if my story is 1035 words?
Hi Casey. I recommend that you get your word count down to 1000.
Hello laura. im from pakistan and i want to participate in this competition of yours. Am i eligible to do so? Im only asking this as i wanted to know if i will be allowed to take part in this if im from pakistan. Thankyou!
Hi Yasir. Yes you may enter. This is an international contest.
where do we send our paper’s to?
Please complete the online entry form and upload your story here: http://jrauthorscontest.com
Hi Laura! I just realized that I sent in the wrong version of my short story, and I wanted to ask if I could send in the right copy?
Hi Rebecca. Please email your story to me directly at laura@laurathomascommunications.com. Please ensure that it is a Word doc or PDF file and give it the file name Rebecca_Way_2.
Hi. I was wondering. Can I have more then one chapter, or does the whole story have to be one chapter?
Hi Caleb. A short story does not have chapters. It should be complete on its own with a beginning, middle and end.
I already sent mine, but I have a different one that I like better, could I change it?
And what would be the absolutely max, no more than that, word count?
thank you
Hi Oreeda. I don’t recommend going over 1,000 words. There is no higher maximum. As for your story, trust that you sent the right one in the first place.
Please add me to your email list. I would like to be updated about this site and contests. Thanks
Hi Renu. There is a mailing list sign up form on the top right side of this page. Please sign up there.
Another thing. You have written that the story has to be ‘creative and fun.’ But if the theme of my story revolves around something that is serious for example poverty or corruption or any other serious issue, would that affect my winning an award?
Hi Maham. I said to be creative and have fun. You may write about any subject you wish.
Anything you like. We do not judge subject matter, just how well the story is told.
Hello! What if I’m turning 18 on August? What category will I qualify?
Thank you!
Hi Mariane. We go by the age you are on June 30, 2013. At age 17 you will be in category two.
Ms. Thomas,
Let’s say you have a tie in a category, and both contestants followed ALL the rules. Who wins?
Let’s say one is 12 and the other is 14. Will the judges consider, “‘A’ is better than most 12-year-olds, while ‘B’ is average for a 14-year-old. Therefore, A wins.”?
Thank you so much.
Mam..
It is me again.I just want to thank you for all you have done for teen writers.I will shortly sen my story in but it would be quite vast time before the results. I thus wanted to know from you about similar competitions being held at sometime soon. Thank you for your patience.
Hi Kanishka. Check with you local library or school. They usually have contest listings for young writers. Or, try Google.
It’s going to be ending of mine day, except before finish I am reading this wonderful article to improve my knowledge.
Thank you for your previous reply
Just one last thing. It says ‘proof of age.’
Can you please specify what we would be required to provide? And how so should we provide it? Can we mail it to you online….?
Hi Maham. If there is a question of the true age of a winner then I will follow up on that in the most efficient way possible. You do not need to provide this to enter the contest.
Thank you.
So you submit a story I don’t need to provide you with anything except the submission right?
Also, please add me to the mailing list.
Hi Maham. Please read the rules, complete the online entry form and upload your story according to the instructions.
Oh jingles.. I got too excited in submitting my story soon after I finished it that I forgot most of rule no. 8.. that’s definitely gonna hurt my chances. I just wish my story’s good enough to even make it. ;______;
Good luck to all the other who entered/are entering; I hope you guys don’t make the same mistake that I did. xD
Hi Darla. It won’t hurt your score. But if it comes down to a tie between two stories and one writer has followed the rules and the other has not, the prize will go to the one who followed them.
Ah, thank the gods! Haha. Gave me a little hope that I could make it. Thank you! xD
Does a good title matter? ’cause I wanted to know if I should put mor effort into coming up with a catchy title, or is it just the story that will be judged. I also understand that there is no specific genre that is prefered, but I was wondering how all the entries will be judged in that case…will seperate prizes be given for Children’s fiction or YA?
Hi Sanjana. The prizes will be awarded by age category as stated. Subject matter is not judged, but execution is. Tell you story well. Try to create a title that fits your story perfectly.
Oh, I’ll be sending something in soon. This is lovely, and a wonderful opportunity.
Hi Avery. We look forward to reading your story.
I want to know that how to register for this competition?
Hi Heli. There is a banner under the rules on this page that says “click to enter.” It will take you to the online entry form which is here: http://jrauthorscontest.com
Hi, I would like to know if there is a minimum word limit. Thanks!
Hi Sophia. No, there is not, but don’t send in a poem. This is a short story contest.
Hi Laura – I’m very excited about this contest!
My birthday is June 20th, and I’m going to be turning 18. I was wondering if I should enter the 15-17 age range, or the 18-21.
As well, I was curious about censorship. I know I can sometimes be too graphic with my descriptions or language, and I didn’t notice any rule restricting this. Should we keep our entries PG-13, or lean more towards the PG-G scale?
Thank you!
Hi Cam. Please put the age your will be on June 30th; that is the category you will be placed in. We do not judge on subject matter just on how well you tell your story.
hi mam,
does type of the story matters? fictional or non-fictional? funny, mysterious,etc.
Hi Heli. No. We do not judge on the kind of story you write, just how well you write it.
This is an iffy question, I know, but is it alright to put mild profanities in the story, to develop the mood? Or is it something that will totally turn you off, personally, from the story?
Hi Mira. We do not judge on the kind of story you write, just how well you tell it. Profanities, more often than not, tend to disrupt the spell of a story, so think twice before using them. It’s better to use more sophisticated methods for developing mood such as: vivid sensory description and original figurative devices. Profanities, when not used cleverly, fit the “tell” category (it’s better to show than tell) and end up coming across as lazy writing that distracts the reader. That would cause a story to lose marks for style.
Hi there Laura,
I’m going to be entered in the 12-14 category. I was just wondering about language, is it suitable to have just a few minor swear words in there?
Hi Kevin. It’s really up to you, but profanities, more often than not, tend to disrupt the spell of a story, so think twice before using them. It’s better to use more sophisticated methods for showing intense emotion such as: vivid sensory description and original figurative devices. Profanities, when not used cleverly, fit the “tell” category (it’s better to show than tell) and end up coming across as lazy writing that distracts the reader. That would cause a story to lose marks for style.
Are author’s notes included in the thousand word count or can they be included to give some background information on the setting without pushing me over the word limit?
Hi Hanul. Author’s notes should not be necessary in a short story. If they are, they do count towards your 1,000 words.
Thank you much!
Hello Laura,
My daughter wants to enter the contest, however, our address and phone number will not be the same by September 2013. Can she still enter?
Thank you .
Hi Rebecca. Yes, she can. Put your current address but please provide a phone number where she can be reached on or around October 19th. It could be the phone number for a friend or family member or a cell.
Hello, Ms. Laura Thomas
Can I enter 2-phone numbers.
Will I get a mail for confirming my short-story being sent safely?
Hi Enaakshi. Yes you can enter two phone numbers. Once you send in your story you will get a confirmation email. If there are any problems with your entry, I will email you directly.
I was wondering if a friend and I could submit a collaboration? I couldn’t find anything against it in the rules, but I was asking just to be sure if that was okay… Thank you
Hi. Yes you can. Just enter one person’s information in the online entry form, but put both sets of contact information on the story.
Hi Laura Thomas,
I was just wondering if our story has been published on another website before does that mean we cannot submit it to this competition? i.e. an article on a TeenInk website? I would just like to know before I submit anything. Thank you for this great opportunity!
Hi Heather. Previously published work is acceptable.
Hi, Ms. Thomas. I am 15 years old and looking for a type of contest that not only allows me to enter my stories but also lets me write about my personal beliefs. Am I permitted to write a story about my faith, or would I be disqualified?
Hi Linny. We do not judge subject matter. We only judge on execution, on how well you tell your story.
thank you for clearing that up. So nobody will be offended on subject matter? I will not be putting you or any of the judges in an awkward spot, will I?
Hi Linny. I can’t answer that without seeing the story.
Hi, Ms. Thomas. I am 10, but will be 11 in late may. Am I still allowed to join the category:9-11?
Hi E. What ever age you are on June 30th determines the category your story will be put in. If you are eleven on June 30th then your story is in category four.
Ohh i see ok thank you
Ms. Thomas,
Let’s say you have a tie in a category, and both contestants followed ALL the rules. Who wins?
Let’s say one is 12 and the other is 14. Will the judges consider, “‘A’ is better than most 12-year-olds, while ‘B’ is average for a 14-year-old. Therefore, A wins.”?
Thank you so much.
Hi Katy. In a case where both stories are equal after the first round of judging, I might bring in another judge to score the stories and see if that will break the tie. Or as lead judge I will break the tie myself. If there is a true tie that cannot be broken then I may give a prize to both writers. But I am not committing to anything here. The point of my statement is that those who follow the rules will be given credit for doing so.
Ms. Thomas,
I realized shortly after submitting my story today that when making the necessary adjustments to the format of my story, I failed to save them and so submitted what is likely an invalid entry. I was wondering if there is any way in which I may submit a more complete and correct entry so as to be in full compliance with the requested format.
Thanks,
Annan Cook
Hi Annan. Please email the correct version to me within the next 24 hours at laura@laurathomascommunications.com. Please make sure that I know who it’s from otherwise I won’t be able to exchange it.
Ms. Thomas,
I submitted my entry just today, but on rereading the rules, I realized I missed putting the word count, mailing address and other information at the top of the document. Is there any way I can resend you a correct entry?
Thanks,
Julia Pereira
Hi Julia. I will do that for you.
So should I send the information via email or just submit the whole thing over again??
And thank you!!
Hi Julia. You don’t have to do anything if it’s just the contact info at the top of your story that’s missing. If there is anything else I need, I will email you.
Words with contractions, like “I’ve”, “You’re” and the likes of it count as one or two words?
Hi Igor. Those count as one word. Please use the word count function on your word processing program to get the number.
I have a problem with submitting my story electronically. The only email I have is my sister’s, but I can only use it for commenting and buying apps. Can I get my teacher to submit it for me, or is there any other solution?
Hi Mickayla. Your teacher can submit it for you. That is fine.
I am 12 years old from England can i still enter the competition. Also do we have to have a guardians consent before I send it.
Hi Finlay. This is an international contest, so you may enter. Please read the rules carefully for all the details on how to submit your story.
ok thank you
Hi Laura, I do wish to enter into the competition, however, there are two questions I have.
1. Say for instance, a story had only 300-400 words, would we be less acknowledged for that instead of a story closer to the 1000 word mark?
And secondly
2. There are a few stories I would like to enter, choosing will be hard. But I must know, in class, we had to create an alternate ending to the novel ‘Of Mice and Men.’ My ending was regarded highly by my teachers, would it be allowed for me to send that in? As it is original, or do we need to have a FULLY original story?
Regards,
Lochlan.
Hi Lochlan. All stories are judged on story structure, description, style, grammar and unity. We do not specifically judge content or length. An original story is a story that has been told in your own words. If you have borrowed characters from another character, that is fine, but the story and its expression must be your own.
So, we’re allowed to submit things like Inkheart fan fictions?
Hi Mickayla. It’s okay. Just make sure that the story is yours.
I want to ask can we enter only one of our story or are we allowed to enter more than 1 story in the competition?
Hi Mihir. No. Only one story per person.
Can you enter more than one story?
Hi Muznah. No. Only one per person.
Hi Laura, I was wondering if you have ever written a book that was published?
Hi Mirela. Yes, but only as a ghostwriter so my name is not on the cover. Now that I have some young writers working for me, I have more time for my own writing projects. “Polly Wants to be a Writer” is my debut book and I’m thrilled. I hope to get a book out every year from now on…one that has my name on the jacket! I do have a collection of stories on CD for little kids that came out in 2009 under my name, but that’s not going be the same as having a book out.
Hello Laura, I would really love to enter this competition but I would like to enter the 15-17 year old category. I am currently 14 but I will be 15 on the 4th June so I would be correct age by the closing date, would it be alright if I entered the 15-17 year old category?
Thank you
- Ellen
Hi Ellen. If you are 15 on June 30th then you must enter the 15 – 17 category. It is not optional. Everyone competes according to the age they are on June 30th.
Thank you Laura
that’s great! I just wanted to ask, I sent my story, and i’m not sure if it got to you….will you e-mail me when you get it? thank you soooo much for creating this contest!! I am so looking forward to it!!!
Hi Mirela. You should get an auto-response message from me about an hour after uploading your story. Please check your junk folder if you don’t see it.
thanks!
Hi Laura. Is it really necessary to put your real name? Because I have a pen name as a writer. If you know what I mean.
Hi Teressa. Please put both your pen name and your real name on the manuscript and your real name on the entry form. I can’t give a prize to a pseudonym.
Hello again, Laura. Thank you for your quick reply. One more question. I have two e-mails. What e-mail should I put? My real one? Or the pen?
I just entered my email into the box. i am excited. i love that you answer comments so often!
Hi Gwen. Welcome to the mailing list.:-)
Hi Laura,
Can you only enter one story?
Thanks
Hi CJ. No. Only one per person.
what happens now?
Hi GW. That depends. What did you just do? If you just submitted your story, please look for an email from me with some info. Otherwise, I will be in touch with contestants by email as the need arises.
Uh… right now, my story has 1006 words, but my last 2 sentences are 1 word sentences. Is that okay? b/c I need to take away the last 3 sentences to be under the 1000 word limit. What do I do? *screams*
Hi Joy. Just a few words over the limit means we will read and score your story. However, if it comes down to a tie and your story is over and the other is 1000 or less, you will not win.
Oh. Oh. Okay. Thanks! I’ll hopefully be able to edit some words off…
Hi Laura, I really love you! I have been looking for such contests since forever but there are non in my country (Sudan) but when I found this I almost cry! I love you so much you are a gift from God to me.
All the best for you dear
Hi Afraa. I’m so glad you found us and we look forward to reading your story.
How do I enter my story into the competion? I would like to know as I am a keen writer who can not wait to enter your competition!
Hi Jade. Please read all the rules and instructions on this page. It should be clear. If not, let me know.
Hi Laura, I was just wondering about applying for the competition and if I was to apply online would I need to still put the information like Word Count, Name and Age etc. (like on your entry sample) on the top of my story when I attach the file or would it just need to be my story, as the details are filled in when applying for it anyway?
Hi Ailbhe. Yes, please put your complete contact information at the top of the first page of your story as instructed in the rules. This information is not included in your total word count.
Hi Laura. I saw in your comments section that all entries must be fiction. Is it alright if my entry is a non-fiction story?
Hi Kathryn. All entries will be judged according the criteria for a short story so it’s really up to you. Your story can be based on a true story, of course. There is no problem with that.
I’m having a problem submitting my story. When I click the format button, it only lets me choose pictures. I don’t have any of the required formats as options.
Hi Mickayla. What Word processing program are you using?
I’m on the online entry form in #9.
Hi Mickayla. When you have your story open in Word, or whatever program you are using, make sure that you save it as a Word doc or a pdf. Then when you click on the button to submit your story on the online form, you should be able to find it on your computer, select it and upload it. If you are still stuck, there is no hurry. The deadline is still a month away. Ask someone to help you.
Okay, thanks!
It says proof of age may be required. What would we need to send in to you to prove we are of the right age?
Hi Ellie. I will be contacting the winners by phone or email and, in some cases, I may feel there is a need to verify they are in fact the age stated on their entry form. Proof could be talking to a parent or family member, or asking winner to meet me on a Skype video call and show me some ID with their age on it. I am hoping that we don’t have anyone who is trying to cheat, but I want to do my best to ensure that all the winners are of the correct age.
Thanks for answering my question!
Hello, Laura!
Ive just written a dialogue wich I think is great! Will my dialogue be accepted? are short(about 325 words) dialogue only stories alloud?
inform me soon!
Danny
Hi Danny. A story told in dialogue is called a script which is a different genre of fiction from the short story. This is not a script-writing contest, so you will not score well, no matter how good your script is. Every story will be judged according to criteria for the short story genre.
Hello Laura,
Unfortunately, I rushed filling in the form, and my actual manuscript only has my full name, age and email address at the top. Would it be possible to resubmit my story again? Or would you be able to take my address, number etc from the information I provided when uploading (and submitting) my story?
Apologies and thanks.
Hi DK. I’ll do that for you. Thanks for letting me know.
Hi Laura. Is a story published on an ezine eligible for the contest? Again, i will be 22 by september 2013, am i still qualified to enter? Thanks.
Hi Victory. If you are 21 on June 30th, you can enter. I am okay with previously published stories being submitted as long as the former publisher does not mind.
Hi Laura, I plan on entering the competition, but i would like to know, is it alright if I use a pen name rather than my actual name? and my short story makes referance to abuse (not detailed, of course, but subtle)is this acceptable?
Thank you!
Hi Deborah. We do not judge subject matter so that is up to you. As for your pen name, please use your real name on the entry form and put both names on your manuscript.
Dear Laura,
I would like to enter your competition but I won´t be nine until the 7th of August. Do you think I can send my story anyway?
Thank you Laura!
Maia
Hi Maia. Yes, that is fine with me. Please select 9 as your age on the online form but put your real age on June 30th on your story.
Ok! Thank you very much. I am very pleased!
Maia
Hi, do we have to have our stories sent to the newspaper? I am the really shy type and I HATE attention! Thank you for your help.
Hi Rawan. The winning stories will be published on this website and a press release will be sent to their local newspaper. If you are not ready to share your story with an audience, then you might not be ready to be a writer at this level. There is nothing to be afraid of. All artists, including writers, share their work with the public. It’s what we do. It’s how we make an impact on the world.
Are we allowed to send a story we wrote for this contest to another contest
Hi Candy. I am okay with that, but the other contest organizer might not appreciate it. As a general rule, submitting a piece of writing to multiple contests (or publishers) at the same time is considered disrespectful.
Hey laura, am a 21 year old malawian girl (africa). I want to be an author and I just saw this contest and I want to submit a story. Is it ok if am currently not a student of any institution? And what’s the entry fee?
Hi Lerato. You do not have to be a student. The contest is open to young writer who is between the age of 9 and 21 on June 30, 2013. There is no entry fee. On the online entry form you will see an option where you can have feedback from me on your story. The cost for that is $10 Canadian. But that is optional. The contest is free to enter.
My 10 year old son wants to submit his story. I think it could be considered a short story, but non-fiction. Is that okay? He is the narrator.
Thanks.
Hi Vanessa. Short stories are a genre of fiction and that is the measuring stick by which we will be judging. If he wants to have a shot at a prize, I strongly suggest that he use his true story as the basis for a fictional story. In other words, embellish the action and characterization. At minimum, make sure there is a plot with a climax of some kind. Encourage him to go wild and get creative with his story.
Thanks Laura!
Vanessa
Hi, I’m wondering whether or not if it is alright to finish the story with ‘to be continued’, as to let the readers choose the storys’ fate. Is this acceptable?
Hi “Person.”
Short story plots have three types of endings:
1) Happy – protagonist solves his problem and overcomes his antagonist.
2) Unhappy – protagonist does not solve his problem however he probably is changed by the experience and that is the real story.
3) Indeterminate – the story problem is not fully resolved, however, the story just doesn’t stop – it has a satisfactory ending.
Hope that helps.
Laura
Thanks, that’s great.I really appreciate it.
Hi Laura, my story is unfortunately sitting at 1,107 words. I know this is above the limit but unsure of how to cut down without destroying imagery. Will you still accept my entry or do I need to work harder to omit those (perhaps) superfluous words?
Hi Ruby. Your story needs to go on a 107-word diet.
Have the story on low fat, no carb diet. I was also wondering: my short story does not follow the usual structure of beginning, middle, end, etc. and is more of an analogy in story form… is this okay?
Hi Ruby. If your story is in “story form” then it must have a beginning, middle and end (a plot). If it doesn’t, I am not sure what you mean. Please clarify.
Hmm not sure how to explain it exactly but not to worry, I will just submit it and see how it goes. Thanks for all your help!
Hi Ruby. Great idea. You are welcome.
Can the story be very short?
Like about 100 words short?
Hi Grace. I suppose anything is possible, but it would have to be outstanding to get a score in the high 40s (out of 50). In the past five years of running this contest we have never had a story that short win a prize. Most of the winners have been between 700 and 1000 words.
Hi. Can there be 2 contestants per entry. I would like to write the story with a friend, so I am wondering about that.
Hi Evie. Yes. Collaboration is a wonderful thing. Please put the contact info for both of you on the story, but just one person’s contact info in the online form. Have fun!
Thanks! Hope you like it!
Hello, Laura.
I want to know that can we use some local words spoken by the ethnic groups here in Nepal? And can I write the meaning of those words used in the story down, in the reference? Or Shall I completely change the local words into English? I’m afraid to do so, because I find my story beautiful with those words in it.
Hi Neha. Yes, that would be fine. Please use footnotes so that the reader knows the English translation for those words.
Hi Laura, will winning go good on a college application or does it not go on it at all
Hi Ryan. Winning a short story contest can go on a job application or a college application form. It looks good.
My mom says she’s thinking about letting me enter and I feel confident because I won a writing competition 3rd place out of 74 other teens
Hi Ryan. Send in a story. If you end up winning a prize it will certainly be a feather in your cap and something to brag about. This contest is very competitive and the talent pool is deep.
Hello Ms. Thomas,
Whilst reading through some comments on this site, I noticed you mentioned something about the stories being marked out of 50.
How are the stories marked? is it like spelling, punctuation and grammar etcetera, or is it how well it is told.
Hi J.S. Take a look at point #12 of the contest rules. If that is not clear, let me know.
I was reading a comment further up, about endings, and I don’t think my ending is any of those. It’s a bit like a cliff-hanger, leaving what happens next to the readers imagination. The story ends, but I’m not sure whether it’s satisfactory, or not. Should I give it to a friend, or teacher, to check it’s okay?
Also my story involves a lot of italics, is this okay? Does this make it hard to read?
Thank you,
Ellie
Hi Ellie. I’m not a fan of Italics personally as I find them distracting. I would Google the rules for proper usage. As for your ending…if you are unsure, getting a second opinion is a great idea.
Thank you but I don’t think I can change the italics. Most of it is inner thoughts or dreams, so I don’t think I can portray it any other way.
Thank you very much,
Ellie
Hi Ellie. You actually don’t need italics for inner thoughts or dreams, you can also use quotation marks or simply express the inner thought indirectly (see examples below). But if you choose to use italics to show interior discourse, just make sure that you are consistent in the usage throughout your whole story. You don’t want to confuse the reader.
These are examples of how to correctly and clearly show interior discourse without using italics:
DIRECTLY: “I do not care about Henry’s cat,” thought Dave.
INDIRECTLY: Dave told himself that he did not care about Henry’s cat.
Thank you! That’s very helpful!
I’m looking forward to entering!
Does the writing need to be a complete story?
Hi Jihyun. Yes. I highly recommend that you submit a story with a beginning, middle and end.
Will the aticles be counted n the word count of the story?
Hi Heli. Yes. Every word of your story counts. Please use the word count feature of your word processing program. The title and your contact info do not count.
Can I write my story on my Google account then copy and paste it to WordPad so it can have the font I want it to have.
Hi Ryan. It does not matter where you create your story file. Just be sure that you upload it as a PDF, doc or docx file.
Hi Laura! I was wondering, for feedback, when you say it is 10 canadian dollars, does that mean 10 canadian dollars for everyone. I live in the US, so do I still have to pay you 10 Canadian dollars? Thankyou!
Hi Hannah. If you opt to have feedback, I will send you an invoice via Pay Pal for $10 CDN. You can pay by whatever means you wish through Pay Pal and it will automatically convert the currency. Eg. if you pay with a US credit card then the price will be automatically converted to your country’s currency.
Hey, I sent in my entry today and didn’t get a conformation email. I checked my spam and was just wondering if you got my submission…
Hi Derity. I have your story. Sometimes the auto-response email gets delayed.
THANKS A BUNCH!!!
Hi Laura, My son has written a great piece of writing on our backyard. Would that be considered a short story? Are we able to submit his work for the competition. It isn’t pure fiction but it has good imagery.
Hi Aryan. A short story is a piece of fiction with a beginning, middle and end. It can certainly be based on reality but there should be fictive elements such as: setting, plot, characters, point of view, theme, etc. All the entries will be judged according to that yard stick. At bare minimum it should be a story of some kind. There is nothing to lose by sending it in, but the experience will be richer for him if he takes time to think about how to turn what he wrote into a bonafide short story.
Hi laura,
I was just wondering if there was any way that I could re-send my story in, I accidentally sent it in too early without making the final revisions?
Thank you
Hi Emily. Yes. But when you email it to me make sure that it’s clear that it is a replacement story otherwise I might miss it. Send it to laura@laurathomascommunications.com.
Hi Laura. I would love to participate in this competition, however i am 21 years old and will 22 in september. Can i still Participate?
Hi Ankita. If you are 21 on June 30, 2013 you can participate.
hey Laura i want to ask you what does finalist announced mean? thank you
Hi Shafaa. I will announce the top 30 in each category, but in random order. If you are in the top 30, then you know that you have a good chance at winning a prize. I will announce the top six prize winners on October 19th.
thank you
hello im 12 and would love to write childrens stories preferably for ages 6-9/10 for a living and i want to get a story published i was wondering whether entering a competition to get a publishing contract would be easier than finding a publisher as i am already having a poem published in a book please can i have your thoughts megan xxx ps i am meeting with my english teacher on thursday so really need your answer before thanksxx lol
Hi Megan. To start, I recommend finding contests (like mine) or magazines (like Stone Soup) that publish work by young writers such as yourself. Children’s books are written by adults and I don’t recommend that you try you try to compete with adult writers at this time. There will be plenty of time for that. Take advantage of the fact that you are 12 and can compete against other young writers. It will be much easier for you. You will have a better chance at succeeding. And, a reality check…having one poem published in a book will not matter to a publisher. They will be judging your submission and deciding whether or not they can make any money off it. Look for contests and magazines that publish work by kids. That is your best place to start. Publishers (outside the ones who say they want youth submissions) do not work with child-writers.
Hey Laura, it’s me again. I was just wondering if you still get to know your score if you don’t win.
Hi Derity. No. With over 1,000 entries I am not able to tell everyone their score. Only the writers who paid for the $10 feedback option will get their score (broken down in detail) and some suggestions from me on how to make it better. With a “free to enter” contest, I simply don’t have the resources to do this for every contestant. And, I do want to keep it free.
OK, that’s fine
Hello,
Do you recommend I submit a humorous story or a serious one?
Hi Victoria. I’ll be blunt. We don’t care. We judge on how well you tell the story, not on the subject matter. If you set out to tell a funny story, then we hope that you will actually make us laugh. If you set out to tell a serious one, then we hope you execute that well. Whichever tone and theme you choose, focus on telling your story well.
Hi Laura just had to ask a couple questions.
A) what are some of the things you look for in a good writing piece
B) are there any genres that are given preference?
C) is it okay if the story is told almost exclusively in dialogue?
D) what about exclusively in telling things? ( reminiscent style, just a person thinking about life)
E) how can you tell whether a story is well written
Hi Sammi. Great questions.
A) what are some of the things you look for in a good writing piece
Unity. Everything must fit the theme. No extra stuff.
B) are there any genres that are given preference?
No.
C) is it okay if the story is told almost exclusively in dialogue?
No. A story told in dialogue is called a script. A short story has description.
D) what about exclusively in telling things? ( reminiscent style, just a person thinking about life)
A short store requires a plot, which means conflict and protagonist v. antagonist.
E) how can you tell whether a story is well written
It’s easy to read and enjoyable. And, it has all the elements of a short story: plot, characters, setting, point of view, tone, diction, etc. all unified around a central theme.
Hello! I had read that multiple entries are not allowed and I would just like to know when will be the next one and is it okay if I am already in my second year in college but I fall in Category 2. Our education system is different here. Thank you
Hi XandraSpeaks. This contest runs ever year. The 2014 contest will open on January 1st, 2014 and the deadline will be June 30th, 2014.
Oh, thank you! Is it okay if the story is posted online or do I have to put it down or submit another one? Thank you again
Hi XandraSpeaks. I don’t know what you mean. Can you please clarify?
The story I’m planning to submit is posted online. Do I have to remove it? Or do I have to submit another story which isn’t posted online? Thank you.
Hello! I opened the online submission form, and I could not seem to upload my file. First, I used Scrivener, but that didn’t upload, so then I tried Google Docs, and that also didn’t work! I really would like to enter this, as soon as I think of a title!
Thanks,
Kaia
Hi Kaia. Please give your story file a name and save it as a Word Document or a PDF file. Then, on the online form, click on the upload button and find your file on your computer and upload it.
Hello.
I’m 12 years old from the UK, and I want to join in. Might I ask when the competition ends and if we are allowed to do it about absolutely ANYTHING, even not-current seasons (e.g. halloween, christmas etc.)?
Hi Grace. As it states at the top of this page, the contest deadline is June 30, 2013. You can write a story about anything you like. We do not judge subject matter, just how well you tell your story.
how many people can enter
Hi Angel. Anyone can enter as long as they are between 9 and 21 on June 30th. There is no limit.
hi
im 16 and live in south africa, i would love to get feedback on my story, but not sure how to send in my money, or what the process is and how my currency comes into this. please help?
Hi Aimee. I use Pay Pal for the feedback service. You can pay a Pay Pal invoice in many ways and you don’t need an account, plus it takes care of the currency conversion.
Hey Miss Laura Thomas can my story be about a young boy and how the war affects his life?
Hi MA. It can be about anything you like.
let’s say the character in my story has a certain list of something is it ok if we show the list and will it count for the 1000 words
Hi Ryan. If the list is part of the story, the words count towards your 1,000 total.
Hi. I was just wondering if I am allowed to use deliberate bad grammar, or whether that will bring down my score. It’s just that I want to write first person. So would it be okay if I said things like, just as a random example, ‘there WAS loads of chairs’ rather than ‘there WERE loads of chairs.’ The reason being that I know how to say that correctly, but my main character doesn’t.
Hi Iona. What a character says will be in quotation marks so we will understand that it’s how a character speaks. However, a word of warning about what you are talking about: the unique dialogue needs to serve the plot and should never confuse the reader.
Hi Laura! Can we submit a story that has already been published on a website? Thanks!
Hi Raina. It’s okay with me as long as it has not been heavily edited by another person and is your original work and the other site owner does not mind.
Hi Laura! Does the winner(s)’s stories HAVE to be sent and published in a newspaper? Because my story is kind-of personal, and, if it did win, I’d like it to not be publicly shown
Hi Lisa. Yes. When you submit your story you are agreeing to allow it to be publicized. Remember that this is a fiction writing contest. Short stories are a genre of fiction. Autobiography is a different genre.
Hi Laura,
I submitted a story to you a couple of weeks ago called ‘LIVE’, but after reviewing the draft I saved on my computer, I realised that the spell-checker on my word processing program had deleted two words from the end of the fourth from last line. It currently says ‘a sky she’d never told. It’s meant to read ‘a sky she’d never told me about’. Is there any way I can fix the mistake?
Thanks,
CJ
Hi CJ. It’s too late for changes, but a tiny mistake like that won’t hurt your score.
will i get certificate of participation even if i dont win ?
Hi Pooja. No. The top six winners in each category will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
I’m 16 & about to participate in this contest. I want to know in how many categories I can take part in. Am I allowed to participate in more than one category, or just one? Please reply as soon as you get this. Thanks.
Hi Nani. You can only compete in your own age category.
Hi! I’m 13, (though that is sort of irrelevant,) and first I’d like to say that I’m really excited for this! My question is, if we submit a piece to this contest, would you be able to use that piece again in a still metaphysical book as a prologue? Thanks in advance!
Hi Jessica. When you enter this contest, you agree to having your short story published on this website. Beyond that, it’s up to you and any publisher you make an agreement with.
So, when you say the subject can be about anything, does that mean you can use curse words? They would be in an effort to enrich the authenticity of the story of course.
Hi Azyra. Any subject matter means that your story can be about anything. That has nothing to do with cursing. Cursing is a choice more related to diction than subject matter.
Hi Laura! Which English are our entries being judged on? For instance, if I write quotations as ” instead of ‘, will I be penalized? I don’t know Canadian English, so I have no idea if there are any significant differences in the grammar. Thanks!
Hi Katy. It does not matter. You are not being judged on the version of English you use.