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 8th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, presented by Kent District Library and Schuler Books.

Writers of all ages can enter in English or Spanish, with cash prizes awarded for Readers' Choice, Judges' Choice and Judges' Runner-Up. 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?

The prize money!

Last year, as well as in years past, winners received $250 and runners-up, $100.

This year, winners can expect to pocket $500 and runners-up, $250.

Important Dates

Entries Accepted
September 1 – Noon* November 30, 2019
*Please note this is a change from past years, when entries were due at the end of the day. Entries are due by noon this year.

Review Process
December 2, 2019 – January 6, 2020

Semifinalists Announced
January 10, 2020

Public Voting Online / Judges’ Review
January 10-31, 2020

Winners Announced
February 4, 2020

Anthology Layout and Production
February 5 – March 13, 2020

Awards Ceremony, Anthology Sale & Book Signing
March 14, 2020

2018-19 author locations

Write Michigan Anthologies

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