Resources for Teen and Tween Writers
Welcome to my Resources for Teen and Tween Writers page! (Don't let the title fool you. Scroll down for useful information for writers of all ages.)
I've collected interviews with editors who publish teens and young writers, magazines to send your writing, various contests, workshops, and classes, plus helpful craft books and blog posts. I hope you find these resources useful on your creative journey.
I've collected interviews with editors who publish teens and young writers, magazines to send your writing, various contests, workshops, and classes, plus helpful craft books and blog posts. I hope you find these resources useful on your creative journey.
Writing workshops and classes
- Alpha: The Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers.
- Between the Lines, from the International Writers Program. Apply for their two paid-for summer programs to be held at the University of Iowa.
- Clarion West Writers Workshop: Summer Workshops for Students.
- Gotham Writers Workshop: Teen classes.
- GrubStreet YAWP (Young Adult Writers Program): Saturday Sessions & Summer Program.
- Poetry Foundation: Check their schedule for teen events.
- Polyphony Lit: Their creative writing program "is designed for teen writers at all levels of experience." The course catalog is available online.
- Society of Young Inklings: "dedicated to empowering youth writers, ages 8-18." They offer various contests and mentorship programs.
- Teen Author Bootcamp: Holds an annual conference and provides free webinars.
- The Writers Circle: Summer Teen Writing Workshops, Mini-Camps for rising 1st-7th graders.
- The Writing Barn: Searchable for "Youth Programming".
- The Writing Studio: Almost Authors Summer Workshops, grades 3-12.
- Writopia Lab: Offers "a wide range of programs for learning, leadership, activism, and growth" including workshops and camps and other events.
- 826NYC: Virtual weekly programs, grades 1 though 8.
Interviews with editors who publish teens
Looking for places to send your work? Here are links to my interviews with editors who publish teen writers. Note: Always check the websites for current submission guidelines.
- Under The Madness Magazine, interview with Alexandria Peary, Editor-in-Chief
- *Updated* One Teen Story, interview with Patrick Ryan, Editor-in-Chief
- Original One Teen Story, interview with Patrick Ryan, Editor-in-Chief
- Pongo Teen Poetry, interview with Ann Teplick, Pongo volunteer
- The WEIGHT Journal, interview with Matthew E. Henry, Editor-in-Chief
Magazines that publish young writers
- Adroit Journal: Publishes fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, art, and interviews & reviews, but check the specfic guidelines for each category. They offer a summer mentorship program (with applications due in March.) Teens can also ask writing-related questions that are considered for their Dear Writer blog.
- And Gallons is open to creators from ages 13 to 22. They published their first online issue in Summer 2023, with their second issue submissions closing in August 2023. Check their guidelines for future openings.
- The Alcott Youth Magazine is a "global magazine propelling young voices." Their contributors are "primarily young women from ages thirteen to twenty-two," and they publish a range of material including articles, essays, short stories, illustrations, cartoons, and photographs. See their guidelines for further details.
- antinarrative. "made by and for youth creatives of color, antinarrative is a collaborative arts zine for those willing to challenge the conventional limits on genre, medium, and format with their work." Submissions "open to bipoc youth creatives ages 13-23." Check their guidelines for further information.
- Apprentice Writer is published annually by the Writers Institute at Susquehanna University. They feature "the best writing and illustrations from entries we receive each year from secondary schools throughout the United States and abroad.” Typical submission dates are mid-September through mid-March. Material accepted includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, photography. Check their submission guidelines for more information.
- Balloons Lit Journal publishes 1-2 issues a year of poetry, fiction and art/photography for readers 12+. Payment is a contributor copy. Submission guidelines are online.
- The Blissful Pursuit publishes work from students ages 8-22. See their website for themes and deadlines.
- Blue Marble Review accepts poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and art year-round from 13-22 year olds. Paying market; check their submission guidelines for details.
- Bridge: The Bluffton University Literary Journal publishes 14-24 year olds. Their fall submissions are open through November 15, 2023. Their submission guidelines include helpful tips for getting accepted.
- Cast of Wonders produces podcasts of young adult speculative short fiction. It's a paying market that usually opens to young writers during June. Check their schedule for details.
- The Concord Review features history-related essays from high school students. “We need the best history papers we can find, and we welcome a chance to consider your best work.” Accepts work on a rolling basis for quarterly publication. Submission guidelines are available online.
- Crashtest is an online magazine run by students in Greenville, South Carolina that publishes the writings of other high schoolers (grades 9-12) twice a year. You can submit year-round by email, but response times may be longer during the summer months. They publish poetry, short stories, and creative nonfiction. Please see the website for complete details about sending them your work.
- The Daphne Review. "We want to encourage the rising artists of tomorrow, so we have cultivated a publication that serves as a creative outlet for students to voice their ideas, opinions, and talents." Check their guidelines for information about submitting prose, poetry, and art.
- The Echo. A literary magazine for teens by teens.
- Egg Squared. A new nonprofit zine for teens focused on the arts, including visual, literary and musical components. Check the website for their debut issue and submission guidelines.
- Élan accepts "original fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, plays, and all kinds of art from students ages fourteen to eighteen in high school in locations internationally." Pays a contributor copy. Check the submission guidelines for more details.
- elementia is a literary arts magazine published by the Johnson County Library in Kansas to "represent and uplift young adults." They publish original poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic stories, photography and illustrations, and are accepting submissions for issue xxi through January 1, 2024. The theme is The Unspoken: "We live in a world fueled by communication and collaboration, yet there are so many thoughts we never share, conversations we struggle to start and ideas that are suppressed." See their website for more details.
- Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things. This is a paying market open to authors and poets age 10 and up. Sample poems and stories they've previously published can be accessed online. They provide feedback on submissions.
- fingers comma toes is an online journal for children and young adults. They offer themed issues and an annual competition.
- Germ is a "magazine for girls—high school and beyond—that celebrates beginnings, futures, and all the amazing and agonizing moments in-between." They publish a range of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and visual art.
- Kalopsia is a "literary and arts journal run by high school and college students from all over the world who aim to promote art and writing among (seemingly) ordinary people. The journal is dedicated to uplifting the voices of talented writers and artists, regardless of age or credentials. . . . Editors provide detailed and personalized feedback on every single writing submission." See their guidelines for more information about submitting prose, poetry, and visual art.
- Levitate is a literary and art magazine published each spring by the Chicago High School for the Arts. Submissions typically open November 1 and close at the end of February. Check their guidelines for further details.
- The Louisville Review publishes poetry from kids in kindergarten through seniors in high school in their Cornerstone section. From the website: "We seek writing that looks for fresh ways to recreate scenes and feelings. Honest emotion and original imagery are more important to a poem than rhyming and big topics--such as life, moralizing, and other abstractions." They pay in copies and the guidelines are online. (Adults: They publish poetry and prose people over eighteen, too.)
- Magic Dragon is a quarterly magazine that's been publishing writing and art from kids 12 years old and younger since 2005. See their guidelines for details.
- The Milking Cat is an online teen comedy magazine that publishes comedic pieces.
- The New York Times Learning Network offers student opinion questions during the school year for anyone 13 to 19 years old to submit answers to; they choose some for publication. "We are not looking for formal work here; instead, we encourage students to use these forums to hone their voices, ideas and opinions; show us their thinking; and participate in civil discussion about issues from politics to pop culture."
- Paper Lanterns. Founded in 2020, this paying literary journal "for all things to do with Teen and Young Adult Literature" accepts short stories, flash fiction, poetry, nonfiction, art and photography from writers 13 and older. "Submissions can be on any topic. Our only criteria is that your submission is written for a teen and young adult audience." They also have internships for Ireland-based candidates.
- Pencil Tips: Includes a list of magazines and contests that accept student work for consideration.
- Press Pause Press says, "We love publishing young artists! Every volume includes at least one writer or artist under 18 . . . Any genre, any word count, anything goes, long as you’re under 18. Please note: All contributors 18 and under will need to have a guardian sign a permission form. Let us know in your cover letter if you are under 18."
- Polyphony Lit: "Invites submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction from high school students (or equivalent) worldwide. Our student editors provide feedback to all submissions, including the ones we do not accept for publication." The guidelines are available online. You can also apply to join their editorial staff.
- Scribere: "An online litery journal, for youth (11-18) by youth." Submission guidelines online. "If we don't accept your piece, we'll give you feedback and invite you to revise and resubmit!"
- Skipping Stones is a 30+ year old magazine for ages 7-17 which accepts writing from young people (and adults). See their guidelines for more information.
- Stone Soup magazine is published every two months, and has been in print for the last forty years. Stories, poems, book reviews, and illustrations are contributed by writers and artists ages eight to thirteen. Guidelines, as well as highlights from past issues, are available online.
- Teen Ink is a literary magazine and website that features poetry (including song lyrics, sonnets and haikus), fiction, book reviews, hot topics in nonfiction, and art/photos. The site also provides two forums for teens -- a regular one for chatting and a writers' workshop for sharing creative work. Teens also provide reviews about colleges and summer programs. Sign-up is required for submissions (which they accept year-round) and participants must be 13 to 19 years old. To learn more, check their submission guidelines.
- "Teen Voices" at Women's eNews publishes "reported pieces and first-person narratives produced by females, 13-19 years old. Articles are typically 600-800 words long and writers will be required to work with our editor before the articles are published. Teen journalists that are published in Teen Voices receive payment for their work." Check their guidelines online.
- Under the Madness is a new magazine "for teen writers—by teen writers. Under the Madness brings together student editors from across New Hampshire under the mentorship of the state poet laureate to focus on the experiences of teens from around the world." (You don't need to be from New Hampshire to submit.) They publish poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction from 13-19 year old writers.
- The Weight is a literary blog "for high school students who may similarly find themselves in need of a creative outlet, about the pandemic or anything else. Everyone has something heavy to get off their chest." They publish a wide range of creative writing; their detailed submission guidelines are online. Check my blog for writing advice from editor-in-chief Matthew E. Henry.
Writing contests
Please verify all contest deadlines and details by visiting the sites directly.
- Bennington College Young Writer Awards. Annual contest with no entry fee open to 9th through 12th grade writers of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Open to submissions from September 1st through November 1st. See the contest website for further details.
- Celebrating Black Writers: Voices Calling for Activism and Social Justice. CLOSED. High school and college categories. "All students currently enrolled in secondary/high school or college, including community college, are encouraged to participate by writing and submitting their own essays, prose, or fiction. Writings should represent various themes raised by Black writers—poets, novelists, literary activists, public intellectuals, civil rights leaders, and historians—who have advocated for social justice." See the contest website for the winners.
- Hippocrates Young Poets Prize for Poetry and Medicine. An annual international award for an unpublished poem on a medical subject for 14-18 year olds. No entry fee. See their website for submission details.
- Literacy in Place Writing Contest. Telling Our Stories: Rural Pasts, Presents, and Futures. "For this contest, we invite fictional and nonfictional accounts of rural living that represent the many and diverse ways of being and living rural." Authors must be in grades 9-12 in the US. Submissions typically open from July 1 through December 1. Complete guidelines available here.
- Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest (National Federation Of State Poetry Societies, Inc.) Poetry contest which typically ends at the beginning of March. Entrants: US students in Grade 6-8 (Junior Division) and Grades 9-12 (Senior Division). Cash prizes. Detailed rules are available on the NFSPS website.
- Nonesuch Humor Contest (The Mark Twain House). Submit original humorous essays and stories up to 7000 words. Typically runs mid-February through early July. Entrants: Separate categories for adults and young writers. Cash prizes. Entry fee. For more information and complete guidelines, visit the Mark Twain House contest website.
- Profiles in Courage Essay Contest. Open to US high school students. Deadline is typically mid-January. See Contest Topic and Information and Helpful Tips for Writing Your Essay for more information.
- The Roadrunner Review Contests. Two categories: university students and high school students. Deadlines typically in May. See The Roadrunner Review website for more details.
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards from the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers in 20+ art and writing categories. Enter your zip code to find regional awards. Typically runs from September through December. (Arizona, Georgia and international deadlines are in January).
- Scholastic Book Clubs. Various contests ages pre-K through grade 8. Check the Scholastic site for current contest details.
- 1000 Words for $1000 Story Contest (The Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation). Contest for short fiction that must be *exactly* 1000 words. Typically runs from November 1st through February 1st. Entrants: Students in grades 6-12. Cash prizes for grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. Visit the Bluefire contest page for complete information.
- A Voice for Animals essay contest has categories for 14-15 year olds and 16-18 year olds. Typically runs during May. "The contest is supported by a partnership between the Animal Welfare Institute and the Humane Education Network with additional support from the Palo Alto Humane Society." Check the Humane Education Network site for guidelines and details.
- YoungArts: Artists ages 15–18, or grades 10–12, in the U.S. can apply in one of ten disciplines (which includes visual arts and writing). See their calendar for ongoing information.
For additional markets and contests that publish tweens and teens, check out Publications for Young Writers -- the NewPages Guide.
Teen writing communities
"BreakBread Literacy project creates a community where youth grow as writers and creators, acquire expertise in publishing, and develop skills that make them competitive for internships, collegiate writing programs, and the publishing industry." Their initiatives include BreakBread Magazine: groundbreaking new work from young creatives under age 25, BreakBread Creative Classroom: Free creative writing workshops for young creatives, and BreakBread Literary Apprentices: Publishing internships for artists, writers & editors. Visit their website for more details.
Girls Write Now: "Serving a culturally and educationally diverse community of girls and gender non-conforming youth (mentees) — 90% of color, 90% high need, 75% immigrant or first generation, and 25% LGBTQ+/gender non-conforming—Girls Write Now mentors underserved young women to find their voices through the power of writing and community."
Go Teen Writers "exists to provide encouragement, instruction, and community for teen writers.” Run by Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson, it also features a private facebook page and resources about writing. Jill says, “We provide a consistent environment where teens can learn and ask questions. We post consistently, hold a variety of contests, and have guest bloggers who are professional authors, editors, or literary agents. We also provide a community for teens to meet other writers and form support and critique groups.” For more info and advice, read my interview with Stephanie and Jill.
Teen Ink features poetry (including song lyrics, sonnets and haikus), fiction, book reviews (including a review of Pandemic), hot topics in nonfiction, and art/photos from students ages 13-19. The site also provides two forums for teens--a regular one for chatting and a writers' workshop for sharing creative work.
Young Writers Project (YWP) is a "creative, online community of teen writers and visual artists, ages 13-18. We're based in Burlington, VT, and we welcome young creators from anywhere!" They feature daily reads, weekly creative challenges, workshops, and opportunities for publication.
Craft books and other resources for teens and young writers
- Catch Your Breath: Writing Poignant Poetry by Laura Purdie Salas (ages 9+)
- Courageous Creativity: Advice and Encouragement for the Creative Life by Sara Zarr
- Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book? by Ally Carter
- Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft Into a Finished Manuscript by Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson
- Jabberwalking by Juan Felipe Herrera. Poetry (Ages 10+)
- Picture Yourself Writing Poetry: Using Photos to Inspire Writing by Laura Purdie Salas (for ages 8+)
- Project Gen Z Writes is an "inspirational database to create the next generation of literary changemakers" that includes numerous video clips from authors offering writing tips, including Yvonne's revision advice.
- Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write by Victoria Hanley
- Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook by Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer
- Telling Tales: Writing Captivating Short Stories by Rebecca Langston-George (for ages 9+). Not just for short stories -- this guide covers the basics of fiction and would be useful for young novelists as well.
- What's Your Story? A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction by Marion Dane Bauer
- Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly by Gail Carson Levine
- Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories by Jack Gantos (for ages 9+)
Resources for writers of all ages (adults -- that includes you!)
- A Black Belt's Guide to Writing by Yvonne Ventresca
- Click, Click, See: Revisioning the Verse Novel as a Genre by Cordelia Jensen
- Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salesses
- Eight Essential Rules for Punctuating Dialogue by Author Learning Center
- The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman
- Five Steps to Writing a Killer Elevator Pitch for Your Book by Jenni Nash
- How to Find the Right Critique Group or Partner for You by Jane Friedman
- How to Get a Book Published by Yvonne Ventresca
- How to Write a Killer One Sentence Pitch (or Logline) for Novels and Memoirs by Nathan Bransford
- How We Do It: Black Writers on Craft, Practice, and Skill edited by Jericho Brown.
- List of Novels in Verse by Sarah Tregay
- NaNo Prep for getting ready to write a novel from NaNoWriMo
- NaPoWriMo's archives of poetry prompts from National Poetry Writing Month
- Never Say You Can't Survive by Charlie Jane Anders
- “Now What?” Revision resource from NaNoWriMo
- Passive vs. Active Voice – Difference, Examples & Worksheet by Candace Olson
- A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
- Productivity for Writers. A collection of blog posts by Yvonne Ventresca.
- Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt Bell
- The Reluctant Revisor’s Guide to Revision by Maria E. Andreu
- Shrunken Manuscript (revision technique) by Darcy Pattison
- Three Simple Ways to Build Suspense by Yvonne Ventresca
- Three Tips for Writing a Novel in Verse by Lisa Fipps
- Tips for Critiquing Other Writers' Work by Melissa Donovan
- Verse Novels: A String Of Emotional Moments by Joy McCullough and Padma Venkatraman
- Word Choices: Weak Words by Vicky Burkholder
- Writer Beware: From the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, this site contains valuable information for writers of all genres about avoiding common writing scams.
- Writing Books For Children and Teenagers by Cynthia Leitich Smith
- Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers by Mary Kole
- Writing the Intimate Character: Create Unique, Compelling Characters Through Mastery of Point of View by Jordan Rosenfeld
Industry organizations
- The Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR): An organization for literary agents. The site includes a searchable agent database.
- The Authors Guild: A professional association for published writers. The site contains free content for nonmembers, including contests and publishing news.
- The Highlights Foundation. Offers virtual and in-person programming plus retreat space.
- National Coalition Against Censorship: Dedicated to censorship issues.
- Rebecca Dykes Writers: A resource for writers who wish to write stories about violence against women and girls for young readers.
- Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: An international organization for published and pre-published writers and illustrators of children's books. Includes helpful links and resources listed online.
- We Need Diverse Books: "A grassroots organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people."