Summer Writing for Kids and Teens

Herrick District Library is excited to host another summer of writing with our Kids Summer Writing Challenge and our Teen Summer Writing Contest, "Stories are Out There"! For both programs, entries will be accepted June 1st through August 1st. Late entries will not be accepted. All writers will be celebrated at our Writing Celebration Ceremony on August 25th. All entries will be bound into a book that will be available for checkout at both library locations.

Kids Writing Challenge Instructions (Ages 5-10)

Rules for Submission: Manuscripts that do not meet the following requirements will not be accepted.

1. Stories can be typed or handwritten. Stories can be dictated and typed/written out by a grown up if assistance is needed. Illustrations are welcome by not required.
2. Stories should include a cover illustration.
3. Writers may submit one story only.
4. Stories must be written by only one writer.
5. Writers must be between the ages of 5 and 10.
6. Previously published stories will not be accepted.
7. Stories can be no more than 2500 words or 10 pages double spaced (whichever comes first).
8. A completed entry form MUST be submitted for your entry to be judged and accepted (found at this link, also emailed to you once you submit your story. Forms can also be picked up at either library location).

Submitting Your Story: 

1. Write your story in a word processing program or by hand. Stories can be dictated and typed out by a grown up if assistance is needed. Illustrations are welcome but not required!
2. Email your short story submission to kids@herrickdl.org or drop off your story at either HDL location.
3. Upon submission, you'll receive a link to an entry/submission form. Fill it out electronically or stop by either library location to fill out a paper form.

Teen Writing Contest Instructions (Ages 11-18)

For teens, stories are judged in two different categories: 11-13 and 14-18. For both categories, prizes are:

• 1st place: $30 Bluestocking Bookshop gift card
• 2nd place: $20 Bluestocking Bookshop gift card
• 3rd place: $10 Bluestocking Bookshop gift card

Rules for submission: Manuscripts that do not meet the following requirements will not be judged.

1. Write your story in a word process program. Illustrations are welcome but not required.
2. Writers may submit one story only.
3. Stories must be written by only one writer.
4. Writers must be between the ages of 11 and 18.
5. Previously published stories will not be accepted.
6. Manuscripts must be typed on 8 1/2" by 11" (standard) paper in Arial size 12 font and double spaced.
7. Stories can be no more than 2500 words or 10 pages double spaced (whichever comes first).
8. Include the title and the page number in the upper right hand corner of every page.
9. Manuscripts must be submitted in PDF or Word format.
10. A completed entry form MUST be submitted for your entry to be judged and accepted (found at this link, also emailed to you when you submit your story. Forms can also be picked up at either library location).

Submitting Your Story: 

1. Write your story in a word processing program. Stories can be dictated and typed out by an adult if assistance is needed. Illustrations are welcome but not required.
2. Email your story submission to kids@herrickdl.org
3. Upon submission, you'll receive a link to an entry/submission form. Fill it out electronically, or stop by either library location to fill out a paper form.

Questions

Questions about the challenge or the contest can be directed to kids@herrickdl.org. Don't forget to join us at our "Stories Are Out There" Writing Celebration on August 25th at 6:30pm at the Main Library!