Vancouver Writers Fest Youth Writing Contest
A free-to-enter short story and personal essay contest for BC students in Grades 5–12. The next contest opens in spring 2027.
- Grades
- Grades 5–12
- Format
- Online submission of a Word or PDF file.
- Cost
- No entry fee is listed.
- Official site
- writersfest.bc.ca
Key dates
- Not confirmed yetContest opensSpring 2027 (exact dates not announced)
What it is
The Vancouver Writers Fest runs two contests each year. One is for Grades 5–7 and one is for Grades 8–12.
Students submit an unpublished short story or personal essay. The limit is 1,000 words for Grades 5–7 and 1,500 words for Grades 8–12.
First prize is $100 (elementary) or $200 (high school), and second prize is $50 or $100. Winners are published in the festival's Books & Ideas newsletter and get a certificate.
It's open to students who attend school or are homeschooled in British Columbia. Entries are judged blind, so names must not appear on the story.
A good fit if: Students who write stories or personal essays for fun and want a real reader's feedback.
How to register
- Students submit their own entry on the Writers Fest website when the contest opens. It doesn't go through school.
- The 2026 contest is closed. The organizer says the next one opens in spring 2027.
- Use standard margins, 12-point font and double spacing, and keep your child's name off the file and the file name.
How to prepare
- Read the winning stories from past years on the contest page.
- Write something new for the contest rather than reusing a school assignment, and leave time to revise.
For grade-by-grade options see Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.
Common questions
Are there writing contests for kids in Vancouver?
Yes. The Vancouver Writers Fest runs a yearly contest for BC students in Grades 5–7 and Grades 8–12, with cash prizes and publication in its newsletter.
When is the Vancouver Writers Fest youth writing contest deadline?
The 2026 contest is closed. The next contest opens in spring 2027, and the deadline will be posted then.
What comes next
CBC First Page Student Writing Challenge
A national CBC Books challenge for Grades 7–12: write the first page of a novel set 150 years in the future. Usually open for entries in February.
Grades 7–12No entry fee was listed in 2026Language & readingSurrey Libraries Youth Writing Contest
A free writing contest for Surrey residents aged about 12 to 18, with categories for short stories, poems, comics and more. Usually open from May to July.
Grades 7–12FreeSources
Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.