2022 Young Author Writing Contest

The Round Rock Public Library is accepting entries to the 2022 Young Author Writing Contest. The contest will be open from Sunday, April 17, 2022, to Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 5:00 pm.

This year’s writing contest theme was chosen by the Tween Advisory Club:

• 2022 contest theme: Time Travel

Writing contest prizes:

• The writers of the top three stories or poems will receive a Barnes and Noble gift card: 1st place $30, 2nd place $20, and 3rd place $10.
• First, second, and third place winner will be chosen from two age categories: Tween (ages 8-12) and Teen (ages 13-18)
• All short story / poetry entries will be turned into a book that will become part of the Round Rock Public Library’s local author collection for children.

Contest guidelines:

• Writers may enter one original short story or poem.
• The short story must be a maximum of 2000 words or 5 pages double-spaced. There is no required minimum word count or story length. Please do not send pictures or graphics with your story.  We are not able to include them in the book.
• Writers must be ages 8-18. There are two age categories: Tween (ages 8-12) and Teen (ages 13-18)
• Previously published stories will not be accepted.
• Entries (both digital and mailed) must be received before 5:00 pm on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
• Entries must include the writer’s name, parent or guardian’s name, age, e-mail address, phone number, and the story title.
• Entries submitted that do not meet the contest guidelines will be disqualified.
• The Teen Advisory Board will vote on the top three stories. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

How to enter the contest:

• Read the contest guidelines.
• Write your story or poem!
• Digital Submission: Save your story in a Word document or in a plain text file.  Attach the file and email it to: Amy German at amygerman@roundrocktexas.gov or Jane Dance at jdance@roundrocktexas.gov.
• Mail-in Submission: All mailed in stories will be the property of the library and not returned.  Please mail a copy if you would like to keep the original story.  Mail the submission to: Round Rock Public Library, Attention: Amy German, 216 E. Main Street, Round Rock, Texas, 78664.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Round Rock Public Library.