Kent District Library is pleased to announce the fifteenth annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which drew over 1,000 entries last year. Michigan writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens and adults. Winning entries will be published, and the top writers will receive cash prizes.
“With this being the fifteenth year for the contest, we’re excited to offer fifteen cash prizes for the winners this year, more than any previous year of the contest,” says Josh Mosey, KDL’s digital marketing strategist and leader of the Write Michigan committee. “I personally know authors and publishing professionals whose careers have been launched by this contest. Even if someone doesn’t feel like a writer, I’d encourage them to give this contest a chance. After all, if you write, you are a writer.”
Stories can be submitted at writemichigan.org through Sunday, November 15. Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; current Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online.
There will be five cash prizes given in each of the age groups ― Judges’ Choice ($500), Readers’ Choice ($250) and three Judges’ Choice Finalists ($250 each). The top ten stories in each category will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of published authors, editors, professors and literary agents. A public vote will determine the winners of Readers’ Choice.
The 2027 Write Michigan awards ceremony will take place in March, when the anthology will be made publicly available thanks to Schuler Book and their Chapbook Press imprint.
Kent District Library is offering a programming series geared towards writers and aspiring writers, covering topics like telling your story, using AI to Improve your creative writing skills and getting your books into bookstores and libraries. For more details, including dates, times and locations, visit writemichigan.org/writers-conference.
Those interested in entering a story can join an online community of writers through Facebook (facebook.com/WriteMichigan) and Instagram (@write.michigan). Get encouragement, writing tips, challenges and more while you plot out your award-winning short story.
For more information on Write Michigan, visit writemichigan.org.