Contest runs May 1 to 31
Do you have a story to tell? Then, get ready to share your talents with us! Burlington Public Library's annual writing contest is open to everyone ages 9 and up, including adults.
We start accepting submissions of your unpublished and original short stories on May 1. Entries must be received by library closing (5pm) on Sunday, May 31, to be eligible for judging.
Burlington Public Library stands by the basic principles of intellectual freedom and the open exchange of information. The writing contest is an open forum for writers to express their ideas and creativity.
Contest Theme: Beyond the Open Door
The images are here as an optional starting point to help unlock your imagination—feel free to use them, adapt them, or imagine something entirely your own. An “open door” can lead anywhere. Wherever your idea takes you, make sure the theme is clearly and thoughtfully woven into your story.
What's waiting on the other side of the door?
An old, broken door... mystery, secrets, hidden truths, unease...
A spaceship door... discovery, transformation, other worldly, possibility...
A door to a make-believe land... magic, fantasy, imagination, beyond reality...
A camper door... adventure, travel, journey, change...
A hidden door...
Whether your story leads to magic, change, or something unexpected, we can’t wait to read where it takes us.
1,000 words. Three age categories. Endless possibilities!
Judging
One winning short story will be selected in each age group: children ages 9-12, teens ages 13-17, and adults ages 18+. Each winner will receive a $100 cash prize.
Contest Details
We want this contest experience to be a good one for you, so please take the time to read and follow all the contest rules and requirements.
Here are the general contest rules, the mandatory requirements for entries to qualify for judging, and the specific requirements for short story entries.
General Rules
- Entrants must live, work, attend school, or pay property taxes in Burlington.
- All entries must be unpublished, original work of the entrant.
- Fanfiction, retellings, or work based on existing stories, video games, movies, and other media will be disqualified.
- You may submit only one entry. If you submit two or more entries, we will accept the first submission by timestamp and disqualify the other submissions.
- Entry must be complete, and not a fragment of a larger work.
- Entries are judged anonymously; do not put your name anywhere on your work.
- By entering this contest, you permit BPL to use your name for promotional purposes, including the Library’s print, visual, or electronic/online media.
- All finalists and winning entries will be reviewed for plagiarism.
Rules on AI Use
We recognize AI tools can be useful when revising writing. Contest participants are only allowed to use AI for technical assistance, such as correcting grammar or enhancing word choice. Using generative AI is not permitted to produce ideas or create writing. On the contest entry form, you must acknowledge if, how, and when you used AI in your work.
Mandatory Entry Requirements
In order to qualify for judging, your entry MUST:
- NOT include your name anywhere on your work; and,
- NOT exceed the maximum length requirement.
An entry will be disqualified from the contest if either of the above conditions is not met.
Short Story Requirements
Please make sure your short story submission follows these guidelines.
- Maximum 1,000 words
- Do not include title pages or images.
Formatting
- The text must be black, 12 pt type in Arial font.
- Title must be on the first page of the work only.
- Number the pages.
- Submit as a MS Word document; a PDF is accepted, but points will be deducted from the overall score.
How to Submit Your Entry
Access to the contest entry form starts on May 1. The form closes at 5pm on May 31.
Please be aware we will only accept a digital—not handwritten or typewritten—copy of your work. If you need help creating a digital copy of your work, please ask library staff for assistance using a library computer.