Western Maryland Literacy Chapter is excited to announce the 2024 Young Authors' Contest will soon be accepting submissions! This contest is held annually by the State of Maryland Literacy Association (SoMLA) and its affiliate chapters across the state, including WMLC. The Young Authors' Contest provides an opportunity for students in 1st-12th grades to showcase their writing talents by submitting their original poetry and short stories. In order to highlight local talent and ensure fair competition, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creation or support of student submissions is strictly prohibited. Local winning entries from Allegany & Garrett counties will be forwarded to the state level contest. Local contest finalists will be notified by late-January and recognized at a Young Authors' reception in spring 2024. State finalists will be notified by early March with winners recognized at a reception during the 2024 SoMLA Conference held April 3-5 in Hunt Valley, Maryland. For more information, contact WMLC YAC Chair, Erica Foley.
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2024 YAC Timeline
Friday, January 5, 11:59 p.m. - Local Submission Deadline January 10-17 - Local Judging January 21 - Local Winners Submitted to State Contest Late January - Local Finalists Notified February-early March - State Finalists Notified Spring 2024 - WMLC YAC Reception for Local Winners April 2024 - SoMLA Reception for State Winners |
Submission Guidelines:
Download 2024 Submission Guidelines PDF
All entries must be the student's original work and submitted in 12-point Times New Roman font. Entries must not include graphics. Only individual entries are accepted; group submissions are not being accepted. Submissions that do not meet these guidelines will be disqualified. Each author may submit 1 Entry per Category. Additional entries will be disqualified.
Elementary 1-5:
Download 2024 Submission Guidelines PDF
All entries must be the student's original work and submitted in 12-point Times New Roman font. Entries must not include graphics. Only individual entries are accepted; group submissions are not being accepted. Submissions that do not meet these guidelines will be disqualified. Each author may submit 1 Entry per Category. Additional entries will be disqualified.
Elementary 1-5:
- Short story entries must range between 100-400 words in grades 1-2
- Short story entry must range between 300-800 words in grades 3-5
- Poetry entries will consist of a single poem, any style from a minimum of 25-150 words
- Short story entries must range between 600-1,600 words
- Poetry entries will consist of a single poem, any style, and must range between 25-200 words.
- Entries must not include graphics
- Short story entries must range between 800-2,000 words.
- Poem entries will consist of a single poem, any style, and must range between 25-300 words.
Submit Your 2024 YAC Entry Here!
Find your specific grade-level and category in the list below and click on the link. You will be directed to a Google Form. Carefully fill in the form and submit your entry to complete the submission process. Younger authors should receive assistance from an adult to complete the submission process. Individuals will need a Google account to complete the submission process. All entries require a digital signature from a parent/guardian to verify authenticity and grant permission for publication.
Elementary
Grade 1 Poetry | Short Story Grade 2 Poetry | Short Story Grade 3 Poetry | Short Story Grade 4 Poetry | Short Story Grade 5 Poetry | Short Story |
High
Grade 9 Poetry | Short Story Grade 10 Poetry | Short Story Grade 11 Poetry | Short Story Grade 12 Poetry | Short Story |
2022-2023 Winners
Poetry |
Short Stories |
Changing Seasons
by Aria Blizzard, 4th Grade 2nd Place State Winner Fake by Abrielle Beeman, 10th Grade 2nd Place State Winner The Dragon by Logan "Jim" Hart, 11th Grade The Rot by Alayna Savage, 12th Grade |
The Night the Stars Went Out
by Lakyn Farris, 7th Grade The In-laws by Fontana Moreland, 10th Grade Sirens by Colten Maust, 12th Grade |