Writing for Contests Coursee
Writing for Contests is an intensive creative writing course designed to help students of all experience levels refine their craft, explore new literary styles, and develop a strong portfolio for prestigious writing competitions. Through in-class exercises, thought-provoking readings, and structured homework prompts, students will build confidence in their unique voice while preparing submissions for top contests across the United States, Europe, and beyond.
Competitions in the United States
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- New York Times Writing Contests (Personal Narrative, Editorial, Summer Reading, etc.)
- YoungArts
- The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose
- John Locke Institute Essay Competition (Creative Writing Category)
- The Bennington Young Writers Awards
- The Ocean Awareness Contest
- Letters About Literature
- Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest
- Rattle Young Poets Anthology
- The Poetry Society of Virginia Student Contest
- National High School Poetry Contest (Live Poets Society of NJ)
- Princeton University Contests (Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize, Ten-Minute Play Contest, etc.)
- The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival
- Columbia College Chicago Young Authors Writing Competition
Competitions in Europe
- Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award (UK)
- BBC Young Writers’ Award (UK)
- Tower Poetry Prize (UK)
- Prix Clara (France)
- The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (International)
- The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize (UK)
- The Royal Society of Literature’s V.S. Pritchett Short Story Prize (UK)
- Betjeman Poetry Prize (UK)
- Wicked Young Writer Awards (UK)
- The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition (UK)
- Immerse Education Essay Competition (UK)
- National Short Story Competition (UK)
Global and Online Writing Competitions
- The Sunday Times Short Story Award
- The International Essay Contest for Young People (UNESCO & Goi Peace Foundation)
- The L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest
- The Oxford University’s Flash Fiction Prize
- The Moth Poetry Prize
- The Poetry Society’s Timothy Corsellis Prize
- Bluefire 1000 Word Challenge
- The Ambassadors Poetry Competition
- The Lancaster Writing Awards
- The Young Poets Network Writing Challenges
Course Highlights
Tailored to each group’s interests and skill levels, the course covers poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, with an emphasis on essential craft elements such as point of view, character development, imagery, structure, and narrative voice. Students will:
Explore Literary Forms
Experiment with diverse literary forms through guided writing exercises.
Refine Your Writing
Receive detailed, personalized feedback to refine their style and technique.
Master Contest Strategies
Gain insight into contest submission strategies to maximize their chances of success.
Excel in Writing Contest
Gain insight into contest submission strategies to maximize their chances of success. By the end of the course, students will have developed a polished body of work, gained a deeper understanding of storytelling techniques, and positioned themselves for recognition in renowned writing competitions worldwide.