Kent District Library is pleased to announce the fourteenth annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which drew over 1,000 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.
“The Write Michigan contest is the perfect opportunity to share your own story and become part of a community of writers in Michigan,” said Lauren Hagerman Tekelly, Programming Specialist at Kent District Library. “Whether you’ve been writing for years, honing your craft or just want to give it a try, our team of reviewers will give thoughtful feedback to each story.”
Stories can be submitted at writemichigan.org through Sunday, 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.
Kenneth Kraegel, award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, will be the keynote speaker at the 2026 Write Michigan awards ceremony in March. Kraegel will also be writing the foreword to the anthology, which is published by Chapbook Press.
Those who enjoy reading stories are encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer story reviewer at writemichigan.org/volunteer.
Kent District Library is offering a programming series geared towards writers and aspiring writers, covering topics like finding your voice, getting published and researching your story. For more details, including dates, times and locations, visit writemichigan.org/writers-conference.
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.
For more information on Write Michigan, visit writemichigan.org.