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
March 26, 2022

2020-21 author locations

Write Michigan Anthologies

Contact Us

Illustration by Adolfo Valle | adolfovallestudios.com