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:

Looking to improve your contest entry?

by ICL Instructor Nancy Coffelt

by ICL Contributor Jan Fields

with Katie Davis and Nancy Coffelt

Our Most Recent Contest Winners
Past Contests and Winners

Check out our past contest themes and winners!

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1000 N. West Street #1200, Wilmington, DE 19801

info@instituteforwriters.com

© 2023 Direct Learning Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Crafted by FirstWire
Institute for Writers LLC BBB Business Review