EPIC New Voices: Writing Contest for Teens
August 1, 2009 by Lillie
Many writers start writing early in life. When you read the bios of authors, you often learn that the writer has been writing “since she could hold a crayon” or “as long as I can remember.”
EPIC, the Electronically Published Internet Connection—an organization for authors, publishers, and other professionals in the e-publishing industry—sponsors an annual competition for young writers in junior high and high school.
According to the organization’s Web site,
EPIC established the annual New Voices writing competition to encourage reading and writing among middle school and high school students and to promote e-book literacy in public and private schools.
Students can submit entries to the fifth annual EPIC New Voices writing contest in poetry, essay (nonfiction), and short story (fiction) categories at the junior high or high school level.
As one of the founders of this competition, I am excited about the opportunity for teens to submit their work to this competition. The winners receive valuable prizes and have their work published in an anthology. Most importantly, every entrant receives score sheets and comments from three judges. The judges—who are writers, editors, publishers, teachers, and librarians—are required to include both constructive comments on areas of improvement and positive encouragement.
Imagine how valuable this professional feedback would be to any aspiring writer and realize that it is given freely to student writers. There is no entry fee, and the contest is open to students in public, private, or home schools anywhere in the world. The entries must be in English and be accompanied by a permission form signed by the parents.
Share this information with aspiring teen writers and teachers you know. Some teachers assign writing projects that fit the categories and word counts for the contest, then encourage students whose work is outstanding to submit the assignment to the contest.
Now is the time for teachers to include this in their curriculum. Download a brochure about the EPIC New Voices writing contest to pass on to students and teachers.
Hey its a great contest. Today young generations should be encouraged for writing and reading. Because now-a-days teenagers are lacking interest in reading and writing, especially writing. They are busy in games, or in freaking out with friends. Their interest areas or hobbies do not include reading and writing almost. And the world is becoming short of good writers. I think this will really encourage students and might bring out some hidden talents. I’ll definitely inform whom i know about it.
Mark,
Thanks for spreading the word. We have been so pleased for the first four years with the quality and number of submissions, and we’re looking forward to even more entries this year.
I’ll be sharing this with some of my summer school students tomorrow! Thanks!
.-= RW@Free Online Speed Reading´s last blog ..Free Software =-.
RW,
Thanks for passing the information on. We appreciate it.
Sounds like a great contest for teens. I plan on putting it in next week’s newsletter.
Helen
Straight From Hel
.-= Helen Ginger@writer editor´s last blog ..Visual Writing Prompt 8-2-09 =-.
Thanks for spreading the word, Helen. Having this in your newsletter will be a big help.
Lillie,
This is a great opportunity for young writers and the organization of such a competition represents a wonderful contribution toward the future development on the writing profession on the part of yourself, the other founders and all others who have become involved.
In order to maximize their opportunities early in their careers, students who aspire to participate in any profession need guidance from experienced members of the profession in question.
The writing profession is no exception, and the opportunity to have their work critiqued by an experienced professional in the field represents one which I hope that many young students choose to take full advantage of.
.-= Andrew´s last blog ..Stern Hu’s detention and why the international business community should be worried =-.
Thanks, Andrew.
The students and their teachers really appreciate the critiques. The judges give helpful information for improvement but also make sure to include an encouraging word. No matter how good or bad the submission is, we want to acknowledge the student’s efforts and encourage them to continue writing.
I had no idea that you were a founder of this competition, so great job! I will have to pass this along to my teenage niece since this would give her great opportunity to exercise her writing skills
C,
Yes, one other writer and I did most of the work to create the contest, get approval from the Board, and run the contest for the first two years. It will always have a special place in my heart.
Please do encourage your niece to participate.
This is really inspiring specially when you see a youngster who is good in writing.
mohel
joseph,
It is a wonderful opportunity for student writers, those who are good writers and those who aspire to be.
Interesting stuff, reminds me of writing a novel in about 4th grade. I think my niece is starting a blog, she’s 7 so I think we’re going to be talking about a whole new era of authors some time soon.
Mark,
Have you done any more writing since that 4th grade novel?
Great to hear about your niece’s blog—you’re right, a new generation of writers is developing.
lol Yes a bit. I’ve recently gotten going again blog style for my business and I wish I had more time to be honest. I’m taking an expository writing course from Harvard to try and learn some more of the dynamics of writing professionally….so we’ll see.
Mark,
Blogging regularly is great to get you back into writing. Good luck with the course—it shows you’re serious about learning the craft that you are investing in education.
Hey Lillie. I posted in a previous topic awhile ago. Just wanted to thank you for your help. I also think that this contest is a great idea. I often wish I went the path of writing. I took many courses in high school that revolved around writing, and loved them all. It’s always good to see more and more children aspiring to become writers, musicians, and artists.
I will be sharing this info on my facebook. Hope it helps =)
Sean,
Thanks for spreading the word on the contest.
[...] EPIC New Voices competition for young writers is well underway. Middle and high school students can win great prizes, but [...]
Writing contest for teens is great. Teens know a lot – this a good way for them to share their creativity – and who knows – a literary talent could be born. Good stuff. I’ll pass this on to some parents
.-= James @ Cheap Wine Glasses´s last blog ..Privacy Statement =-.
James,
Thanks for passing the word. We look forward to lots of great entries.
Hi Lillie! I downloaded this brochure, but it doesn’t say WHERE to submit entries. Can you help me with this?
Thanks for the info. I will definitely pass this on to my students.
–Renae
.-= renae brumbaugh´s last blog ..Video Trailer and Other News =-.
Renae,
That information has been added to another Web site since I wrote this post. I’ll add the link to the post above. Thanks for reminding me—I had intended to come back and do this as soon as the information was available, and it slipped my mind.
I’ll make sure my friends are aware of this, sounds really like a great idea
Alex,
Thanks for spreading the word!
[...] EPIC New Voices: Writing Contest for Teens [...]