Description
Institute for Children’s Literature presents our ICL YA Contemporary Fiction First Pages Contest.
For this contest, submit the beginnings of your coming-of-age YA novel!
Our judge, Kristin Nitz, will be considering entries based on these criteria:
- No more than 1,000 words
- Include a one-sentence book summary at the top of the entry (Book summary is not included in the 1,000 words)
- Be the beginning of a contemporary novel for young adult readers (Novel does not need to be finished in order to enter)
- No illustrations or photographs should be submitted with your entry
- Aimed at readers between 13 to 16 years old
- Engaging first page: The first line, the first paragraph, the first page—they must all persuade the reader to keep going
- Believability: Provide the details and specifics that will make readers sink into your world and keep them there
- Voice: That undefinable quality. You know it when you see it
- Characterization: A unique protagonist with a well-developed supporting cast
- Mechanics: Proper punctuation, grammar, formatting. Busy editors expect a clean manuscript as a mark of professionalism. Weaknesses in those areas, on the other hand, could suggest lack of attention to detail with respect to story logic, plot holes, and consistent characterization
Your entry should be aimed at children ages 13-16.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Entrants are eligible to win up to $650!
About The Judge, Kristin Nitz:
Kristin Wolden Nitz has been teaching at the Institute for Children’s Literature for over 20 years. Kirkus called her YA mystery Suspect “intriguing, suspenseful fun.”
*Link to contest submission form will be sent after purchase is complete
