Teen Writing Contest 2025

Published on October 14, 2025

Teen Writing Contest: hands typing on a typewriter with a squiggly line illustration above the typewriter indicating the process of writing in front of a burgundy pink background

By Hannah V.

Siouxland Libraries is celebrating Novel Writing Month with a Teen Writing Contest! 

This year’s contest theme is cliffhangers—endings that leave the reader in suspense or mystery. Stories may be based on a real experience, fiction, or a blend of both. Entries may be a short story or an excerpt/chapter from a longer piece.  

 

Cliff Hangers GIFfrom Cliff GIFs

 

Rules:

 
1. Open to grades 6-12 

2. Stories must be rated PG or PG-13 

3. 1000 words or fewer 

First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected from three age groups: grades 6-7, grades 8-9, and grades 10-12. Judging will be based on the following criteria: 

1. Plot 

2. Characters 

3. Use of language 

4. Grammar/syntax 

5. Adherence to rules and theme 

Submissions open November 1 and will be accepted through November 30. Submit stories by filling out this form. Winners will be contacted in advance of a public announcement on Siouxland Libraries’ website and social media pages after Tuesday, December 9. 

Entries may have more than one author.  Only one prize per entry will be awarded. To be eligible for a prize, you must reside in Siouxland Libraries’ service area. Prizes may be picked up at any Siouxland Libraries branch.  

First place prize: $25 Barnes & Noble gift card 

Second place prize: Journal 

Third place prize: Writer Emergency Pack 

Teen writing contest prizes: $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Journal, or writer emergency pack writing prompts

 

Stories by all winners will be posted on Siouxland Libraries’ website and social media pages. 

By submitting your story, you agree to the following: 

  • You grant Siouxland Libraries the right to publish the story on its website and social media pages. 

  • If you are under 18, you have parental permission for Siouxland Libraries to share your works online.  

  • Submissions must be original stories, and any form of plagiarism or AI-generated material will result in immediate disqualification. 

  • If using direct quotes, please use proper citation. If writing fan fiction, please state your source material.  

Need time to write? Check out these programs dedicated to writing: 

Teen Novel Writing Month - Write-Ins 

Celebrate Novel Writing Month with weekly write-ins: dedicated time to craft your story. Fuel your creativity with resources, snacks, discussion, and a raffle. For grades 6-12. Registration required. 

 

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