Sponsored by Operation Literacy and judged by professional book editors. This contest is open internationally. Finalists will be judged by New York Times Bestselling author Kathryn Purdie.
There are three age divisions in this competition:
Teens ages 13–15
Teens ages 16–19
Adult ages 20 and up.
Entry fee is $29.00.
First, second, and third place winners will be chosen in all divisions.
All entries will receive judging feedback. First, second, and third place winners will receive a full critique of their work and award certificate. First place winners will receive:
Winner’s Certificate
Get out of the slush pile with an agent
Winners will be notified by January 15.
Submission window: November 1–December 31, 2025.
Teens: many English teachers offer extra credit to students for participating in the contest. Check with your English teacher to see if this is a possibility for you.
Rules and Guidelines
*If you do not follow these guidelines, your work will automatically be disqualified.
- All work should be original and unpublished. No AI writing is allowed. Posting your work to a blog or website does not classify it as being published.
- Entrants must must enter the category of their age.
- Entries must be double-spaced with one inch margins in 12 pt. Times New Roman or Arial Font.
- Entry is limited to 1000 words. However, sending any more than the first 1,000 words will disqualify you from the contest.
- Pages must be numbered.
- Entries must be in English.
- Changes can’t be made to the entry after you have submitted it. Please proofread and double-check your work before submission.
- As this is a contest for middle grade and young adult fiction, no graphic violence, language, or sex scenes are allowed. Think of it like PG-13 movies. This is a PG or PG-13 contest.
- Any entries received after the contest deadline will not be considered.
- Family of any member of the Operation Literacy team is not eligible to participate.
- For questions or clarifications, email heatherbmoore@operationliteracy.org