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Brand new 500-word story writing contest for 7-18 year-olds
Story Lab is the brand-new summer story writing contest from Young Writers for 7-18 year-olds.
Budding authors have:
✏️ 500 words 📖 Any theme 📚 Any genre
Who or what will inspire them? Which time period will they choose? Will they write a fantasy, sci-fi, historical, thriller, romance or ghost story? Perhaps they'll be inspired by their summer vacation!
If young writers need some more ideas, download the free story examples and ‘How to Write a Story’ guide.
This competition closes on September 11, 2026, so your students have all summer to plan & write their stories.
Closing Date: Friday Sep 11, 2026
We've worked with over 20,000 schools. Here's what some of them have to say...
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This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
Thank you so much for another opportunity! The class really enjoyed this.
Justina Denapoli, Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy, NYSee more...
The students enjoyed the freedom of this project (Peculiar Pets). It got them excited to write.
Amanda Peterson, Christ The King School, NYSee more...
Peculiar Pets was a great activity!
Anne Piccoli, Immaculate Heart Of Mary School, NYSee more...
Thank you for the intriguing prompts and engaging activities! I look forward to these contests each year.
Mike Carter, Millis Middle/High School, MASee more...
My students absolutely loved the challenge of writing mini sagas!
Darla Bubar, Edward Town Middle School, NYSee more...
The story starters are so fun!
Nichole Charbonneau, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, MASee more...
My students look forward to this contest every year, and so do I!
Rachel Barnes, Monomay Regional High School, MASee more...
This was such a fun way to have my students engaged with their writing!
Christina Guertin, Midland Street School, NYSee more...
This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
Your students write or type their entry (or an adult can scribe) ensuring their name (or initials) and age are included
Submit your entries using one of the options below
Enter Online
Email
Email your entries to [email protected]
and please ensure your students' names and ages are on their work, and that you include your name, school name and school address in your email. Thank you!
Please ensure your name, email and school name and address are included with your entries if you send entries digitally via a non-Young Writers service.
