2023 Fresh Ink Fiction Contest

Calling all young writers of Texas! It’s time to submit your stories! We are proud to announce that the submission window for our 2023 Fresh Ink Fiction Contest is now open. Create a fictional story inspired by the one-word prompt: Passwords.

Eligibility Requirements
– Writer must live in Texas
– Writer must be enrolled in grades 6-12th
– Writer must submit an original work of fiction that includes no more than 2,000 words
– Submission must be written by a single author; no co-authors

Submission Requirements & Format
– Follow the theme provided; choose your own fiction genre 
– Use language that fits your audience
– Submit only one entry
– Include a title page with your name, email, and word count
– Format: Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt size font, 1-inch margins
– Number all pages and submit in one of the following formats: .pdf, .doc, .docx
– Save your file using: TitleofStory_YourInitials [example: ThroneofGlass_SJM]
– Submit through Google form: Fresh Ink Fiction Contest

Deadline: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CST

Entry must be the author’s original work and creation – no plagiarism or fan fiction.
Still have a question about the contest? Email Michelle: michelle@texasbookfestival.org 

Austin Bat Cave will be hosting a virtual session and workshop for all writers who have submitted their stories to the Fresh Ink Contest; more details to come. Join writers, editors, and publishing experts as we celebrate your work, talk about the writing life, and discuss next steps for sharing your work!

Thank you to Random House Children’s Books for sponsoring the Fresh Ink Fiction contest!

Entries will be judged by Texas Book Festival authors, educators, and leaders in the publishing industry. Judges will look for excellence in dialogue, imagery, character development, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. Winners will be invited to participate in the Texas Book Festival on November 11-12, 2023 and be awarded a fun literary prize. Winners will be announced on October 13, 2023.

2021 Fresh Ink Fiction Contest

UPDATE: The deadline has now passed for submissions. Please stay tuned for more information.

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Calling all young writers of Texas! It’s time to submit your stories! We are proud to announce that the submission window for our 2021 Fresh Ink Fiction Contest, supported by the AT&T Foundation, is now open. Create a fictional story based on this theme: Thrive in a Hybrid World

Eligibility Requirements
– Live in Texas
– Enrolled in grades 6-12th
– Submit an original work of fiction, no more than 2,000 words
– Written by a single author, no co-authors

Submission Requirements & Format
– Follow the theme provided, choose your own genre (see types of genres)
– Use language that fits your audience
– Submit only one entry
– Include title page with your name, email, and word count
– Format: Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt size font, 1-inch margins
– Number all pages and submit in one of the following formats: .pdf, .doc, .docx
– Save your file using: TitleofStory_YourInitials [example: ThroneofGlass_SJM]
– Submit to link: Fresh Ink Fiction Contest
– You can also try: https://forms.gle/ocafpM26x1ysVTbz8

Deadline: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. CT

Entry must be the author’s original work and creation – no plagiarism or fan fiction.
Still have a question about the contest? Email Lucy: lucy@texasbookfestival.org 

You can also attend a Writer’s Q&A with Austin Bat Cave on September 4th, 1 p.m. CT. Go to austinbatcave.org to pre-register for this virtual session.

Entries will be judged by Texas Teen Book Festival authors, educators, and leaders in the publishing industry. Judges will look for excellence in dialogue, imagery, character development, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. Winners will be invited to be part of virtual opportunities at the Texas Book Festival and Austin Bat Cave plus receive a fun literary prize. Winners will be announced on October 18, 2021.