Young Writers Contest
Augusta University's Department of English and World Languages is proud to host the Young Writers Contest: a youth writing contest intended to celebrate young writers in our region and encourage their craft and creative futures.
The Department of English and World Languages at Augusta University has sponsored the Young Writers contest since the 1970s. The contest recognizes local young authors for outstanding original poetry and prose. CSRA middle and high school students are invited to submit poetry, short fiction, and essays and have their work read by AU creative writing faculty and community judges. Finalists receive cash prizes and are recognized at a public reading and award ceremony.
Contact Us
English & World Languages
Summerville Campus
Suite E-227
706-737-1500
Eligibility and Submission
Current CSRA middle and high school students are invited to submit their creative writing. Students can submit one entry of 1-3 poems, 1-2 short stories, or 1-2 creative, narrative essays.
Once submissions open, students can email the Young Writers Contest Coordinator Ms. Daphne Maysonet at dmaysonet@augusta.edu with the subject line "Young Writers Contest." Attach the creative work(s) as a Microsoft Word document. Please use the guide below to format your entry.
Document Title
- Middle School Prose_Student Name
- Middle School Poetry_Student Name
- High School Prose_Student Name
- High School Poetry_Student Name
Page One-Cover Sheet
- Student Name
- Grade Level
- School Teacher
- Principal
- Submission Genre (poetry, fiction, or nonfiction)
- Student/Guardian Contact Information
Poetry: Submit 1-3 poems totaling no more than 10 pages altogether. Title each piece.
Prose: Submit 1-2 short stories or essays totaling no more than 10 double-spaced pages altogether. Title each piece.
We kindly ask writers not to combine poetry and prose submissions in a single document. If submitting fiction and nonfiction in the prose category, please note each piece's genre in your document.
AI Policy: We trust that your submission is a completely original creation, and we do not invite submissions that use AI programs to generate ideas, generate writing, or edit language. We love student writing and are excited to get to know you through your art.
Contest Timeline
2026-2027 Contest dates will be posted by November 1, 2026.
Mid January
Submissions Open
Early February
Virtual Workshop Hosted
Mid March
Submissions Close/Reading and Judging Begins
Early April
Reading and Judging Ends
Late April/Early May
Ceremony/Winners AnnouncedJudging, Prizes, and Ceremony
Local writers are selected as judges each year. Judges are invited based on their demonstrated passions and contributions to creative writing.
Community Judges determine third-, second-, and first-place winners in each category.
| Middle School Prose | Middle School Poetry | High School Prose | High School Poetry |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Place, $75 | First Place, $75 | First Place, $100 | First Place, $100 |
| Second Place, $50 | Second Place, $50 | Second Place, $75 | Second Place, $75 |
| Third Place, $25 | Third Place, $25 | Third Place, $50 | Third Place, $50 |
Cash prizes contingent on guardian's completion of proper tax documentation.
A ceremony for the Young Writers Contest is held at the end of the spring semester on Augusta University's Summerville Campus. Contest finalists as well as AU faculty and contest judges are invited to attend. Students may bring family, friends, and teachers to the event, where winning pieces will be announced and read.