2024 Writing Contest

Every year, the Round Rock Public Library accepts entries to the Young Author Writing Contest. Young authors may submit an original microfiction story or poem between March 1, 2024, at 9 am – March 30, 2024, at 5:00 pm. 

• Microfiction is a piece of fiction that contains characters and plot developments in under 300 words. 
• A poem is a composition in verse that is carefully arranged, often in short lines that rhyme.

2024 Writing Events

Writing Contest Prizes

• The writers of the top three stories or poems will receive:
  • 1st Place: $30 gift card from Barnes and Noble
  • 2nd Place: $20 gift card from Barnes and Noble
  • 3rd Place: $10 gift card from Barnes and Noble 
• The contest has two age categories: ages 8-12 and 13-18. First, second, and third-place winners will be chosen from each of these two age categories.
• Winning entries will be published on Round Rock Public Library’s website.
• All entries will be included in a print book that will become part of the library’s local author collection for youth.

Contest Judging and Guidelines

The Young Author Writing Contest will be judged by the Round Rock Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board.  Winners will be announced on May 1, 2024. Teen volunteer judges will be using the following guidelines to assess qualifying writing entries:  Writing Contest Assessment Rubric.

Qualifying Submissions

• Writing entries need to include:
  1. Writer’s name
  2. Parent or guardian’s name
  3. Writer’s age (ages 8-18)
  4. Parent or guardian’s e-mail address
  5. Parent or guardian’s phone number
  6. Valid, current, individual or family Round Rock Public Library card number
  7. Title of writing selection
• Writers must have a valid, current, individual or family Round Rock Public Library card.
• Writers may choose to enter either an original piece of microfiction or poetry. Only one submission per person.
• Writing entries must be a maximum of 300 words. 
• Microfiction stories or poems must be submitted through the contest’s online form. The form will be available on this webpage starting March 1, 2024, at 9 am.

Submissions will be automatically disqualified if they:

• Do not meet the definition of a written piece of microfiction or poetry. Non-fiction written works (essays, biographies/autobiographies, research papers, etc.) will not be accepted.
• Are missing the required information (name, age, library card number, etc.).
• Have multiple entries by the same author. Only one submission per person, mircrofiction or poetry.
• Are submitted past 5:00 pm on March 30, 2024, or before March 1, 2024, at 9:00 am.
• Are not submitted via the online form.  Mailed, emailed, and/or handwritten entries will not be accepted.
• Include pictures, graphics, and illustrations.
• Have been previously published.