Program Description
Event Details
Join San Diego Public Library's 2025 A Teen Writing Contest. All teens ages 12-18 in the San Diego County area are invited to submit a short story which will be judged by a panel of SDPL librarians.
This year's theme is Level Up (like the Summer Reading Program).
This contest is limited to San Diego County youth in middle school and high school.
- Entries should center around the theme of “level up” however one interprets it.
- Entries should be previously unpublished.
- Entries should be typed (preferred) or handwritten clearly and legibly.
- Should you need to type your contest entry, you can come into any San Diego Public Library and use one of our public computers.
- All stories, regardless of format, should not include your name or any other personal identifying details as entries will be judged blind.
- Entries must be no more than 2,000 words and entirely the work of the author.
- No copyrighted characters or settings should be used in the work.
- No use of artificial intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.) allowed.
- Entries should be appropriate for a general audience.
- Every story must include a completed and signed submission form.
- By submitting an entry form, you give the San Diego Public Library permission to reproduce creative works resulting from your (or your child’s) participation in this contest.
- Entries can be submitted digitally (preferred) via e-mail to teenspace@sandiego.gov. They can also be turned in in person to your local San Diego Public Library. A signed entry form must be submitted with your short story.
- Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
- Limit of one entry per person.
- Prizes will be gift cards with the following values: 1st ($200), 2nd ($100), and 3rd ($50).
Entries will be judged on theme, style, voice, creativity, and technical proficiency.
Prizes for the top entries will be announced during DATE.
Authors will be invited to a reading/open mic at the Pauline Foster Teen Center on DATE.