Kent District Library is pleased to announce the thirteenth annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which drew over 1,150 entries last year.
Michigan writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens and adults. Winning entries will be published and the top writers will receive cash prizes.
"Write Michigan is a wonderful opportunity for writers of all ages to showcase their creativity and passion,” said Josh Mosey, Digital Marketing Strategist for KDL and leader of the Write Michigan team. “This contest is designed to celebrate the power of storytelling and encourage our community to share their unique voices."
Stories can be submitted at writemichigan.org through Saturday, November 30. Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; current Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online.
There will be three cash prizes given in each of the three categories ― Judges’ Choice ($500), Readers’ Choice ($250) and Judges’ Choice Runner-up ($250). The top ten stories in each category will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of published authors, editors, professors and literary agents. A public vote will determine the winners of Readers’ Choice.
Janyre Tromp, award-winning author and editor, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Write Michigan awards ceremony in March. Tromp will also be writing the foreword to the anthology, which is published by Chapbook Press at Schuler Books.
Those who enjoy reading stories are encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer story reviewer at writemichigan.org/volunteer.
Those interested in entering a story can join an online community of writers through Facebook (facebook.com/WriteMichigan) and Instagram (@write.michigan). Get encouragement, writing tips, challenges and more while you plot out your award-winning short story.
Kent District Library is offering a programming series geared towards writers and aspiring writers, covering topics like publishing short fiction, writing dialogue, maximizing suspense, platform building and more. For more details, including dates, times and locations, visit writemichigan.org/writers-conference.
For more information on Write Michigan, visit writemichigan.org.
