THE 2024-2025 PUBLISHING CONTEST THEME IS…

HEROES & SUPERHEROES

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS MAY 31, 2025

When it comes to the theme of heroes and superheroes, writing provides a unique opportunity to explore the qualities that make these characters truly extraordinary. From their noble intentions to their exceptional abilities, writers have the power to intricately weave together the stories of these heroes, allowing readers to connect with their struggles, triumphs, and the impact they have on the world around them. Whether it’s through creating new superheroes with innovative powers or reimagining classic heroes with contemporary challenges, writing allows for the exploration of what it truly means to be a hero in today’s world. Through the art of storytelling, writers can inspire, uplift, and remind us all of the potential for heroism that exists within each and every one of us.

Publishing is a powerful incentive for learning and is a unique way to validate that a child’s voice should be heard.  Each year, young writers in the 3rd-12th grade all across the globe have the chance to be published authors. This first taste of success can last a lifetime! The iWRITE Non-Profit Organization offers students the opportunity to submit their writing and artwork to our annual publishing contest. This year’s theme will be announced in August 2024. Fiction and Non-fiction short stories, poetry, and art submissions are accepted from August 2024 through May 31, 2025. The finalists will be named in September 2025. Our winners will be announced on our website and published in the I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids 16th Volume Anthology. One hundred and twenty-five winners will be chosen and will receive one complimentary copy of the Anthology. Editor’s Choice Recipients will have the chance to read their work at iWRITE’s Annual Book Signing Celebration and receive additional media opportunities.

Rules for Writers Submitting Stories

  • The required word count for stories written by students in 3rd grade is 700 to 2,500 words.
  • The required word count for stories written by students in 4th – 12th grades is 1,000 to 2,500 words.
  • Entries must be typed using only Times New Roman Font, 12-point size in black.
  • Entries must include the name and story title at the top of the first page.
  • Each contestant’s work will be judged based on how well the writer incorporated the fantasy theme into their work.
  • Each contestant’s work will be judged on grade-level appropriate content, grammar, and spelling.
  • Stories may not contain offensive material or language. iWRITE promotes positive values and lessons within its stories; therefore, students are encouraged to use good judgment when writing and developing stories.
  • Note that iWRITE checks for plagiarism in order to respect copyright laws. Any entries not written solely by the student will be disqualified.
  • If your story is chosen for publication, you will receive a licensing agreement allowing iWRITE to publish your work; however, you will remain the owner of the copyright.
  • Stories must be written in English with the option to enter the English as a second language category.
  • Always edit/revise multiple drafts and have fun!
  • iWRITE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, or religion in its programs and contests.
  • Not following any of these rules may result in disqualification.
ENTER SHORT STORY HERE

Rules for Writers Submitting Poetry

  • Poems must be between 8 and 24 lines.
  • Poems must be typed in Times New Roman Font, 12-point size in black ink.
  • The author’s name and poem title must be placed on the top of the first page.
  • Poems must fit the heroes & superheroes theme.
  • Each poem will be judged on creativity, artistic quality, and correct word usage.
  • Poems may not contain offensive material or language. iWRITE promotes positive values and lessons within its publications; therefore, students are encouraged to use good judgment when writing and developing their poems.
  • Note that iWRITE checks for plagiarism in order to respect copyright laws. Any entries not written solely by the student will be disqualified.
  • Poems must be written in English with the option to enter the English as a second language category.
  • Poets should edit/revise multiple drafts and have fun!
  • iWRITE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, or religion in its programs and contests.
  • Not following these rules may result in disqualification.
ENTER POETRY HERE

Rules for Artists Submitting Illustrations

  • This year’s artwork should focus on the heroes & superheroes theme.
  • Hand-drawn illustrations, paintings, or digital artwork may be submitted. (NO other types of artwork such as photographs, sculptures, or AI may be submitted for consideration.)
  • Artwork may be submitted in either a portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Artwork should be a minimum of 8-1/2×11 and a maximum of 24”x48” in size to ensure a high-resolution, print-quality scan is possible.
  • Pictures of artwork that are submitted need to be a minimum of 300 dpi.
  • The final book cover is 5.5″x8.5″ and is vertical (portrait orientation). Your total art size including background should be 6.5″x9.5″ with your main subject not covering more than 5″x8″ of the center of the illustration.
  • A 1/8 of an inch will be cut off of each margin during printing. Don’t put anything important at or near the edges.
  • KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL ARTWORK. Winning artists may be asked to submit their original artwork to be professionally scanned for print publication.
  • Don’t use words in your picture.
  • Leave room for us to add a title.
  • Clean it up. Erase any stray pencil marks thoroughly. If it’s a mark on the piece of paper, it will print.
  • Use bold colors and be sure to darken the colors if using colored pencils. We want your artwork to look good in print.
  • Get inspired by art online, at the library, or at home, but don’t copy!
  • Artwork may not contain offensive material. iWRITE promotes positive values and lessons within its stories; therefore students are encouraged to use good judgment when developing illustrations.
  • If your illustration is chosen for publication, you will receive a licensing agreement allowing iWRITE to publish your work; however, you will remain the owner.
  • Any entries not created solely by the student will be disqualified.
  • Get creative and have fun!
  • iWRITE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, or religion in its programs and contests.
  • Artwork that does not pertain to fantasy will not be eligible to win.
ENTER ARTWORK HERE

FAQ’s

  • How can I become Editor’s Choice for my poem or short story?
    • To be eligible for the award, the student must incorporate this year’s theme in their submission. The story and/or poem must meet the initial requirements and be able to deliver a meaningful message.
  • May I enter more than one submission?
    • Yes, you may enter multiple multiple entries in one category or in various categories. While we do allow this, we always suggest focusing on one really good entry.
  • Do you have an example of the book cover measurements?
    • Yes, please click on the button below.
  • How will I know if my artwork, story, or poem was selected to be in the latest anthology?
    • We will contact you via email directly if your submission wins.
ANTHOLOGY COVER ART EXAMPLE

If you have any questions regarding the contest, please contact us at contest@iwrite.org

All about iWRITE

Since 2009, iWRITE has published more than 2,730 student authors and illustrators in its anthology, I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids. Students from 11 different countries have participated, and there are 11,000 copies of our anthologies in print.

Check out all 15 anthologies and our “i” The Guy Writer’s Journal below.

I Write Vol. 3
I Write Vol. 2
I Write Vol. 1

Copies of our latest anthologies are available on

Thank you to our sponsor, H-E-B for supporting our publishing contest program.