2023 Young Author Writing Contest

The Round Rock Public Library is accepting entries to the 2023 Young Author Writing Contest. The contest will be open from Wednesday, March 1, 2023, to Friday, March 31, 2023.

Writing contest prizes:

• The writers of the top three stories or poems will receive a Barnes and Noble gift card: 1st place $30, 2nd place $20, and 3rd place $10.
• First, second, and third-place winners will be chosen from two age categories: Tween (ages 8-12) and Teen (ages 13-18)
• All short story/poetry entries will be turned into a book that will become part of the Round Rock Public Library’s local author collection for children.

Contest guidelines:

• Writers may enter one original short story or poem.
• There are two age categories: ages 8-12 and 13-18.
• Participants with a current Round Rock Public Library card are eligible. Participants who do not have a Round Rock Public Library card must reside in Travis or Williamson counties.
• The short story or poem can only be a maximum of 2000 words. There is no required minimum word count or story length. Please do not send pictures or graphics with your story or poem.  We are not able to include them in the book.
• Previously published works will not be accepted.
• Entries must be received before 9:00 pm on Friday, March 31, 2023.
• Short stories/poems must be submitted through the contest’s online form. The form will be available on the library webpage starting March 1st. Mailed, emailed, and/or handwritten entries will not be accepted.
• Submissions must include the writer’s name, parent or guardian’s name, age, e-mail address, phone number, and the story or poem title.
• Entries submitted that do not meet the contest guidelines will be disqualified.

How to enter the contest:

• Read the contest guidelines.
• Write your story or poem!
• Submit your story or poem through the online contest entry form. The contest entry form will be available on the library website after Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 9:00 am: Young Author Writing Contest – City of Round Rock (roundrocktexas.gov)

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Round Rock Public Library.