Writing Contests
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 Workshop 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.
ICL Narrative Nonfiction Picture Book
Are you working on a nonfiction picture book manuscript that reads like a story? Polish it up and get ready to submit it to our Narrative Nonfiction Picture Book Contest this summer!
Details:
- Write a nonfiction picture book manuscript using storytelling elements.
- Target audience: 6-8 year olds.
- Entries must be no more than 800 words
- Entries must be a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end.
- Include your resources at the end of your manuscript.
- Click here for details
IFW Contemporary Romance First Pages
Do you love romance? This contest is your chance to share the first pages of your contemporary romance manuscript for a chance at a cash prize and a critique from an IFW Instructor and Romance author!
Details:
- Submit the first 1,000 of your contemporary romance manuscript.
- Must be set in present day.
- Looking for likeable, strong characters on their way to a happy ever after.
- Target audience: Adults
- Click here for details
ICL Animal Poetry
Time to combine your love of poetry with your love of animals.
Details:
- Details will be announced in Fall 2023
- Click here to be notified when this contest opens.
Winners Workshop
Following each writing contest, we hold a live workshop 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 of our next workshop!
Looking to improve your contest entry?
1000 N. West Street #1200, Wilmington, DE 19801
© 2023 Direct Learning Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Crafted by FirstWire
Licensure & Memberships
Recommended for college credits by the Connecticut Board for State Academic Awards
College credits obtained through Charter Oak State College
Approved as a private business and trade school in the state of Delaware
1000 N. West Street #1200, Wilmington, DE 19801
© 2023 Direct Learning Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Crafted by FirstWire
1000 N. West Street #1200, Wilmington, DE 19801
© 2023 Direct Learning Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Crafted by FirstWire