Columbia Young Authors Writing Competition
Started as a local writing contest in Chicago in 1995, Young Authors Writing Competition is sponsored by the English and Creative Writing Department at Columbia College Chicago. The competition has grown into a yearly international contest of high school writers.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
Students graded 9-12 worldwide
Eligibility
Free
Entry fee
January 27, 2025 (based on last year's deadline)
Submission deadline
Competition Details
1. Competition Category
There are three categories students can submit to: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, and Poetry.
2. Prizes
Outstanding participants will receive cash awards and recognition for participants. The top 3 winning submissions in each category will be displayed on the official website of the Columbia Young Writers Writing Competition.
Columbia Young Authors Writing Competition Past Winners
Submission Details
1. Number of submissions
You can submit up to six files in total, with a maximum of two entries in each category: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, and Poetry. Poetry submissions can include 1-5 poems per file.
2. Length
Each entry must be no longer than ten pages. Submissions must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format via the website form; other file formats or shared cloud files are not accepted.
3. Formatting
For each category, submissions should be double-spaced, in a 12-point font (Courier New or Times New Roman). Entries should be new, unpublished works. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but notify if accepted elsewhere.
Join our competition prep classes now!
Eligibility
Open to students in grades 1353446209-12 worldwide
Submission deadline
January 27, 2023
