Write Michigan
Write Michigan is an event series held by Kent District Library, located in Kent County, Michigan, that is dedicated to nurturing and promoting local literary talent.
Our best-known event is the Write Michigan Short Story Contest, an annual statewide competition that began in 2012 and is open to all ages. We also offer a poetry contest for Kent County teens and a free, biannual writers conference.
Short Story Contest
Short story writers, grab your laptops for the 10th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, presented by Kent District Library and Schuler Books.
Writers of all ages can enter, with cash prizes awarded for Readers' Choice, Judges' Choice and Judges' Runner-Up. We also have a category for Spanish-language stories from kids age 12 and younger. Winning entries will also be published by Chapbook Press.
The basics
- One short story per author
- Maximum story length: 3,000 words
- Entry fee: $10 for ages 18 and older (free for ages 17 and younger)
- Contest open to Michigan residents only
- Complete contest guidelines available in English and en Español
What's new this year?
This year, we are partnering with various Michigan libraries to help promote the contest, including Canton Public Library, Traverse Area District Library and Hancock School Public Library. We are also continuing our Spanish-language Youth category for kids ages 12 and younger.
In addition, judges will award one writer a slot in Johnathan Rand's 2022 Author Quest writing camp for kids ages 10-13.
Important Dates
Entries Accepted
September 1 – Noon, November 30, 2021
Review Process
December 2, 2021 – January 6, 2022
Semifinalists Announced
January 17, 2022
Public Voting Online / Judges’ Review
January 17 – February 7, 2022
Winners Announced
February 11, 2022
Awards Ceremony
April 16, 2022
2021-22 author locations
Contact Us
Illustration by Adolfo Valle | adolfovallestudios.com