Contests are a great way to sharpen your submission skills, stretch your imagination, and get your work out in the world. That’s why the Institute runs adult and kidlit writing contests throughout the year. Each children’s book writing contest culminates in a Winners Webinars where we announce the winners and critique the winning entries to help all entrants improve their skills. Plus, each contest has cash prizes for the top five entries.
Check out our children’s book writing contests below.
Contests Tailored For Adult Authors
IFW Romantasy Novel First Pages Contest
Romantasy is a mashup of romance and fantasy. Some say it’s a new subgenre. Others that’s it’s an old one renamed. Either way, romantasy is a dream come true for readers who love both fantasy and romance.
Let your imagination fly. On fairy wings or dragon wings. Your choice.
Details:
- 1,000 words or less in the romantasy genre
- In novel form
- Aimed at adult audiences
- Click here for details
IFW New Beginnings Poetry Webinar
There are so many new beginnings in life. New babies, new loves, new life phases. Sometimes those new life phases come after a great hardship—like grief, loss, or heartbreak.
For this contest, we want you to share a new beginning through poetry, specifically a blank verse poem.
Details:
- Must be no longer than 280 words
- Must be a blank verse poem.
- Entries must incorporate a new beginning.
- Click here for details
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Webinar in Summer 2025
- Click here to be notified
IFW New Beginnings Poetry Webinar
There are so many new beginnings in life. New babies, new loves, new life phases. Sometimes those new life phases come after a great hardship—like grief, loss, or heartbreak.
For this contest, we want you to share a new beginning through poetry, specifically a blank verse poem.
Details:
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Workshop on July 1, 2025.
- Entrants will get into the webinar for free. An email invitation will be sent one week prior to the webinar.
- Non-entrants can attend for $7. Claim your spot now!
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Webinar in Summer 2025
- Click here to be notified
Children's Writers Contests
ICL Bedtime Stories Picture Book
Bedtime stories are often our first introduction to reading as children. Often times, bedtime stories are passed down from generation to generation, helping lull little minds into a restful sleep. For this contest, submit your picture book manuscript to help the kiddos start counting sheep!
Details:
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Webinar in Late Summer 2025
- Click here to be notified
ICL Bedtime Stories Picture Book Webinar
Bedtime stories are often our first introduction to reading as children. Often times, bedtime stories are passed down from generation to generation, helping lull little minds into a restful sleep. For this contest, submit your picture book manuscript to help the kiddos start counting sheep!
Details:
- Winners will be announced at our Winners Workshop on August 5, 2025.
- Entrants will get into the webinar for free. An email invitation will be sent one week prior to the webinar.
- Non-entrants can attend for $7. Claim your spot now!
ICL YA Contemporary Fiction First Pages Contest
Whether you’re writing a swoony romance, taut thriller, edgy drama, or celebration of the human spirit, your mission is the same: hook the reader with an intriguing situation, keep them with your prose, and engage readers from the very first page.
Details:
- More details soon. Get Notified.
Winners Webinar
Following each writing contest, we hold a live webinar to announce the winners. The contest judge will reveal tips for writing in the contest genre and critique the winning entries sharing why they worked—and how they could be even better.
Sign up now to be notified when registration opens for next Winners Webinar!
Looking to improve your contest entry?
