The easiest way to find contests or publications that are looking for YOUR work is by creating a Submittable account – CLICK HERE to get started (it is free). A lot of online publications now require a Submittable account. This site also helps you keep track of your submissions – which ones are still awaiting a final decision, and the like.

If you click the “Discover” tab at the top, you can find tons of contests, and you can add filters (e.g. “memoir” or “high school” or “funny”) to help find a contest that is looking for your specific pieces. Below is a snapshot of what it looks like…

A great resource: The annual Poet’s Market and Writer’s Market books, available online for next to nothing (if you’re willing to buy an outdated copy).

Also, be vigilant against “vanity presses” – publications that will accept *anything* just to dupe you into paying for your own story or poem, in print. If you think a contest or a magazine might be a scam, PLEASE ASK ME – I may be able to help you!

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PROSE & POETRY

Marginal – The HHS Art & Literature magazine, now accepting submissions year-round

Scholastic Writing Awards – it’s hard to achieve recognition in this prestigious contest, but that also means it’s great news when you get recognized! (This is unfortunately closed for seniors taking the spring-semester Creative Writing course)

Winning Writers has a FREE newsletter that compiles FREE contests of all genres and abilities. It’s updated monthly, so there’s an excellent chance you’ll find something good here.

CLICK HERE for a good list of writing contests, many of which carry cash prizes!

Aerie International – A highly acclaimed High School Literary Magazine located in Montana that accepts submissions from all over the world.

The Apprentice Writer – A print publication put together by Susquehanna University

Teen Ink – One of the largest student-only publications out there. This would be a good starting point, but go further than just this publication.

The Concord Review – Accepts student literary essays for publication

Hanging Loose Press – Try this one as well

Here’s a book that can help you get published

JUST POETRY

Mass Poetry – The Hard Work of Hope – This is a poetry initiative created by Mass Poetry, a poetry foundation for Massachusetts residents.

Mass Poetry – U35 – This is a poetry reading opportunity for young Massachusettes poets (under the age of 35) – if you submit and get accepted here, part of the “publication” is that you would perform a live reading of your own original work. For the daring!

Bright Hill Press – Browse around this page, there is often a poetry contest for high-school students. Check back every so often.

JUST PROSE

***Nothing Yet – still looking***

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