Congratulations To Our Winners!
Call for submissions to the teenage writers of Alachua County!
Our 2025 contest is open and looking for you to enter your creative work into the competition. Entering provides you with a chance to win honorifics as well as prizes.
- Full Rules For Entry
Entrants must be in grades 6-12 and a Florida resident.
All entrants must turn in a complete Entry Form with a parent or guardian signature.
All writing must be the original work of the entrant. Entrants must not use AI technology or Machine Learning to generate writing.
Each entrant may submit (1) fictional short story, 500-1500 words in length, and/or up to (3) poems, any form or style.
- Each entry must be clearly labeled with name and grade of entrant and title of work.
- Each entry must be typed in Times New Roman; 12-point font; and double spaced.
- Entries must be submitted electronically in DOC format (.docx) to the Youth Services Department of the Alachua County Library District at ysref@aclib.us.
- Entrant’s submissions(s) will be judged according to the school grade of the entrant. There are two categories for judging: Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12. Within each category, 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be awarded for the top fictional short stories as well as for poems, 12 recognitions total. All submissions will be anonymized prior to being given to the judges. The decisions of Judges are final.
- Entries will be accepted beginning February 23rd - April 20th at 11:59 p.m.
- Winners will be announced at a reception on May 17th at 2:00 p.m. in the Teen Space at the Headquarters Library, 401 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL. The event will be Simulcast virtually for those who cannot attend in person.
- Attendees are welcome (though not required) to read their creative works at the event.
- Please identify which excerpt from the fictional short story that you would like to read at the reception (up to 120 words).
- Winners will be awarded a bound booklet compiling all the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place entries (upon request) and will receive additional prizes.
All submissions must accompany a completed entry form (Word or PDF) with a parent or legal guardian's signature.
Winners will be announced during a reception in the teen space of our Headquarters Library on Saturday, May 17th. We look forward to celebrating the creative talent of our new teens, and the evolving talent of our returning participants.
The event reception will simulcast in Zoom for those who are unable to travel to the library location.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us at ysref@aclib.us, or call at 352-334-3941.
Other resources for writers
- NaNoWriMo doesn't need to be restricted to November. NaNoWriMo's official website includes a number of great resources, including a pre-November prep program, pep talks from famous authors, and a Young Writers Program. NaNoWriMo even runs Camp NaNoWrimo, a chance to try a version of NaNoWriMo customized to the writer's personal goals, in April and July.
- Be sure to check out the most recent editions of The Writer's Market and The Poet's Market. This series publishes new installments every year (it's important to use the most recent as the information becomes out of date often), and includes up-to-date listings of publications, editors, magazines, contests, awards, and literary agents, along with articles that describe how to find, manage, and promote an author's work.