The Inklings Book Contest is for youth writers in grades 3-12 who are ready to be treated like a pro and increase their writing skills. 

Winners in grades 3-8 will work one-on-one with a professional mentor to prepare and revise their manuscript for publication in the anthology. Winners in grades 9-12 will work together on a final revision through a peer editorial process, guided by a mentor. Finalists will receive a revision letter and will have the opportunity to be published on our website. Each applicant will receive personal feedback on their submission!

Submit your manuscript with our easy online application. All applicants will receive professional and personalized feedback. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to hear from a pro! Please read through all submission requirements on the application page before submitting.

Educators, if you would like to submit a classroom set of contest submissions, click here to read more.

Entries may be submitted in English or Spanish. Stories submitted in Spanish will be translated by a member of our team, or you may provide your own English translation.

Historias y poemas pueden ser entregadas en español y serán traducidas por un miembro de nuestro equipo. También puede proveer su propia traducción en inglés.

We look for stories with a strong point of view, intriguing characters, descriptive settings, and well-developed plots. In poetry, we look for lyrical language, rhythm, and that touch of flair or surprise that makes a poem stand out. Most importantly, we review applications closely to ensure that the chosen winners are committed to the revision process. Up to ten winners will be chosen from grades 3-5, up to ten from grades 6-8, and up to fourteen from grades 9-12.

Winners in grades 3-8 will receive a two-session editorial mentorship with a professional mentor/writer, throughout which they will revise and polish their poem or story. Winners in grades 9-12 will work together on a final revision through a peer editorial process, guided by a mentor.

The revised stories and poems are then published in the Inklings Book and Inklings Book: Teen Edition anthologies, which are distributed through various retail channels. Winners also receive their own copy of the Inklings Book as well as one for their school. Finalists will receive a revision letter with feedback about their work and the opportunity for their story or poem to be featured as Inklings Book finalist piece on our Inkwell, with their work promoted via our website and social media.

Even when the Inklings Book Contest isn’t open, there are many ways to keep writing, creating, and connecting with passionate youth writers, just like you!

Join Our Community: Become a member and take part in writing challenges, share your work, and meet other youth writers who love storytelling as much as you do. Join here.

Be Part of the Inklings Zine: We’re launching a new youth-led Inklings Zine—a place for writers to publish short works, reflections, and interviews. Members will have the chance to contribute ideas and submissions as the Zine takes shape in 2026.

Grow as a Writer Year-Round: Try out mentorship, join a Writers’ Circle, or take one of our classes designed to help you explore new ideas, build your skills, and keep your creativity flowing. Learn more here.

Plus, every month you can join other passionate youth writers in online creative writing workshops and author interviews! See our upcoming events here.