Young Writer
A 1,000-word short fiction competition for creative writers and storytellers.
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What should I write about?
Your story can be about anything you like, but it must include a set of elements that will be revealed to you once you've registered. These will be the title of your story, a line of dialogue, and an object.
Your story should be no more than 1,000 words and must be a completely original work of fiction.
Eligibility
The Young Writer competition is for people aged 16–18. Applicants should be currently studying at a school or college in the UK. For a full list of entry criteria, please see our terms and conditions.
Judging
Once the closing date for submissions has passed, a longlist of entries will be chosen by postgraduate students studying English and Creative Writing.
From this longlist, the panel, consisting of staff and alumni from English and Creative Writing and UK Recruitment will select a shortlist, runner-up and winner. Creativity and inventiveness are key qualities the panel will be looking for.
Prize
The winner will receive £500 and an invitation to the prestigious Goldsmiths Prize ceremony. The runner-up will win £100.
All shortlisted entries will win a small prize.
Do you need some inspiration on what to write about? Take a look at our previous winners' entries.