CollingWord - Contest

Teen Voices

The CollingWord 2025 Short Story Writing Contest

Contest Deadline:

The submission window for the CollingWord 2025 Short Story Contest will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 and close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025.

About:

CollingWord 2025 is seeking new and emerging voices through a short story writing contest open to youth in two age groups: 13-15 and 16-18.

We are seeking original, unpublished work that reflects the teen experience. Stories may belong to any genre, including but not limited to: literary, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and horror. What constitutes a great story? Engaging teenaged characters, compelling writing, and a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Prizes:

The winning stories (one per age group) will be published on our website, on social media, and potentially in the local print media. Winning authors (one per age group) will receive a prize of $100. First runners up (in both age groups) will receive a prize of $50. The winning stories (one per age group) will be published on our website and social media. Each winner and first runners-up will also have the opportunity to read their story aloud during our Story Smash on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at the Collingwood Public Library. Honourable mention certificates will be awarded to the remaining finalists in each age group, and the authors’ names will be announced on our website, via email, and on social media.

Contest Rules:

This contest is open to residents of the South Georgian Bay area, Ontario, Canada. No entry fee is required, and all rights in each submitted story remain the property of the author.
By submitting to the contest, the entrant agrees to abide by all the contest rules.
To enter, authors must be between the ages of 13 and 18 during the submission window.
Short stories must be between 800 and 2500 words in length and reflect the teenage point of view.
Only stories that have NOT been previously published or submitted for publication elsewhere may be entered in the contest. Stories that have been self-published online or on personal websites or other publishing platforms, including blogs and school publications, will also be disqualified.
By submitting your work, you are acknowledging that it is your own creation, that it has not been borrowed from any person’s work (including but not limited to film, video, gaming, and online content), that it has not been created with any assistance from AI tools or software, and that the characters and situations depicted are the products of your own imagination.
Each entrant may submit only one manuscript. Should a second entry be received, both will be disqualified.
CollingWord reserves the right to approve all final, edited content. Stories found at any point during the judging to have been written in part or in whole by AI will be disqualified. Excessive or gratuitous use of violence, profanity, drug references, or sexual content, to be determined by the judges, will result in disqualification. The use of profanity as a character’s name will also not be acceptable.
All submitted entries are final. No revisions will be accepted.
Each entry will be judged by at least two qualified individuals. The five top-scoring entries in each age group will be reviewed and ranked by professional authors to determine the winner and first runner-up. The decisions of the judges are entirely their own and are final and binding.
Winners and finalists will be individually notified of the results by phone, mail or e-mail. Finalists will be announced by Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Winners and runners-up will be notified by Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Each entry must be accompanied by a completed and signed consent form giving CollingWord permission to publish on our website and social media platforms the names and images of the finalists, as well as their short stories. If the entrant is a minor, the form must also be signed by a custodial parent or guardian.
All winners and finalists must provide proof of age and address before prizes will be awarded.

How to Submit:

Handwritten entries will not be accepted.
CollingWord accepts files in DOC, DOCX, or PDF format, submitted electronically here.
Typed submissions may be mailed or hand-delivered to the main desk of Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste Marie Street, Collingwood, ON, L9Y 0W6. Hard copy submissions must be contained in sealed envelopes addressed to the attention of CollingWord 2025 with the following clearly marked on the envelope: ATTN: COLLINGWOOD SHORT STORY CONTEST. Mailed entries must bear a postmark showing that they were mailed before the deadline, and must be received no later than Monday, September 8, 2025.
All entries are to be formatted as follows: double line-spaced on one side only of letter-sized white paper, using Times New Roman, Courier, or a comparable font, no smaller than 12 point, and with a standard 2.54 cm margin all around.
Electronic submissions shall consist of two separate attachments: first, a file holding the completed and signed consent form PLUS a cover page, containing ONLY the story title, author’s name and age group, and author’s complete contact information; and second, the manuscript of the story, formatted as per the instructions above. Hard copy submissions shall also include the consent form and cover page, stapled together, then clipped to the manuscript. In both cases, the title and page number must appear as a header on each page of the story, but not the author’s name. This is to ensure that each entry is judged impartially, on its own merits.
Submissions that do not conform to these formatting requirements will be rejected and disposed of.

FAQ

What kind of stories is CollingWord looking for?

CollingWord is seeking short stories from teens that reflect the teenage experience. We particularly appreciate stories that explore themes of identity, friendship, family, and coming of age. It’s best to avoid excessive profanity, sexual content, and drug references. We welcome all genres of well-written young adult fiction ranging from 800 to 2,500 words. Due to our scoring format, we can only accept stand-alone pieces (not excerpts from novels-in-progress).

Does CollingWord consider international submissions?

No. At this time our contest is only open to young writers who live in the South Georgian Bay area in Ontario, Canada.

How will the entries be judged?

There will be two rounds of judging. First, each submission will be read and scored by at least two members of a panel of qualified individuals, using the scoring grids featured on the contest rules tab on this page applicable to the author’s age group: 13 – 15 years old or 16 – 18 years old. The top five scores in each age group will give us our shortlists. The stories on each shortlist will then be read and ranked by a professional author, and this will determine our winners and runners-up. The remaining three stories on each shortlist will receive honourable mentions.

How can teachers get involved?

There are several ways. You can make the staff and students at your school aware of the contest and generate interest in participating in it. You can use the rubric to provide assistance to students as they prepare their entries. You can volunteer to join the panel conducting the first round of judging. You can attend CollingWord 2025 to support the winners as they read their stories aloud for an audience.

When will the contest winners be announced?

We will post an announcement about the shortlists on our website and social media by Wednesday, October 1^st. Winners and first runners-up will be personally notified by October 12^th, and the final rankings officially announced at the Story Slam on October 19^th.

COLLINGWORD 2025 YOUTH WRITING CONTEST
SCORING RUBRIC FOR AGES 13-15

ENTRY TITLE:

ENTRY NUMBER:

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
IDEAS AND VOICE: The extent to which the story and writing reflect both the author’s personal voice and the teen experience.
Approach to the topic is fresh and original. Ideas are supported by specific relevant details about teen life.	Ideas are clearly expressed and supported by specific relevant details about teen life.	Ideas are somewhat clear and marginally supported by details about teen life.	Ideas are unfocused or undeveloped and not supported by details about teen life.
Writing consistently reveals author’s personality and point of view.	Writing shows flashes of author’s personality and point of view.	Writing gives hints as to author’s personality and point of view.	Writing is flat, revealing nothing of the author’s personality or point of view.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (2-8 points):

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
STORY STRUCTURE: The extent to which dramatic conflict, the ordering of scenes, the sequence of events, and the transitions between them all build from an opening hook to a logical and satisfying conclusion.
Opening hooks the reader immediately and presents or establishes at least three of the following: a character, the setting, the conflict, the mood.	Opening grabs the reader’s attention and presents or establishes at least two of the following: a character, the setting, the conflict, the mood.	Opening is present but not compelling. An attempt has been made to present or establish at least one of: character, setting, conflict, mood.	Opening is present but confusing for the reader or unrelated to the rest of the story.
Clear, purposeful use of both internal and external conflict to build suspense.	Clear, purposeful use of conflict to build suspense.	Use of conflict is inconsistent and therefore not as effective as it could be.	Minimal or no conflict means no suspense.
A clear, purposeful sequence of scenes that unfold naturally, in a cause-and-effect chain of events. No plot holes.	A clear sequence of scenes that unfold logically, linked by cause and effect. No major plot holes.	Attempts have been made to sequence events/scenes logically, but the plot is hard to follow in some places.	Unclear or illogical sequence of events/scenes. Multiple plot holes, some major.
Plot situations reach logical and emotionally satisfying conclusions.	All the loose ends are tied up at the conclusion, with mixed effectiveness.	Most of the loose ends are tied up.	The story doesn’t conclude — it just stops.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (4-16 points):

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & DIALOGUE: The extent to which the characters “come to life on the page” by being psychologically complex, robustly described, and emotionally authentic.
Develops complex characters through dialogue / inner voice, narration, and action.	Develops characters through dialogue / inner voice, narration, and action.	Some attempt at character development through dialogue/inner voice, narration, or action.	Characters are psychologically flat and emotionally inauthentic.
Actions and interactions are consistently “in character” and emotionally motivated.	Actions and interactions are consistently “in character” and motivations are clear.	Actions and interactions are generally “in character” but motivations are unclear or lacking.	Actions and interactions are frequently out of character and illogical.
Dialogue or inner voice is effectively used to reveal underlying facets of the characters involved.	Dialogue or inner voice reflects various facets of the characters involved.	Dialogue or inner voice attempts with some success to reveal a facet of the character speaking.	Dialogue or inner voice is minimally used and reveals nothing new about the characters involved.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (3-12 points):

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
LANGUAGE: The extent to which the author demonstrates an awareness of audience and purpose through effective use of descriptive details, accurate and evocative word choice, and creative use of literary devices.
Uses creative, concrete language and makes thoughtful word choices. In particular: precise nouns, vividly descriptive adjectives, and powerful action verbs.	Uses mostly creative, concrete language and makes effective word choices. In particular: precise nouns and powerful action verbs.	Language used is accurate but not powerful. Most word choices are correct, although many could be more effective.	Limited vocabulary is used, leading to sameness of language and few effective word choices.
Makes powerful use of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, and rich sensory detail.	Makes apt and effective use of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, and rich sensory detail.	Literary devices are functional but not descriptive. Attempts to include sensory detail result in mixed success.	Literary devices and sensory detail are lacking or poorly executed.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (2-8 points):

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
WRITING MECHANICS: The extent to which the author demonstrates command of the “nuts and bolts” of writing: correct grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation.
Writing contains an effective and interesting variety of sentence types, lengths, and structures. Important thoughts and ideas are placed in positions of emphasis within each sentence and paragraph.	Writing contains a variety of sentence types, lengths, and structures. Most of the important thoughts and ideas are placed in positions of emphasis in their sentences and paragraphs.	Writing contains some sentence variety but also some passages of repetitiveness. Some important thoughts and ideas are in positions of emphasis.	Writing makes limited use of sentence variety, resulting in stilted, unnatural-sounding prose.
Writing shows consistent mastery of punctuation, particularly in the placement of commas, and in the use of quotation marks in dialogue. The prose communicates the author’s message with clarity.	Punctuation is mostly correct. Errors are few and minor and do not interfere with communication.	Writing contains some punctuation errors that create ambiguity, thus occasionally interfering with communication.	Writing contains numerous punctuation errors, sufficient to muddy the meaning of the prose and interfere in a major way with its ability to communicate with the reader.
Writing shows consistent mastery of spelling and grammar, including capitalization, formation of plurals, verb tense, and pronoun case. The author’s style enhances the readability and meaning of the prose.	Writing contains minor errors in spelling and grammar, including capitalization, formation of plurals, verb tense, and pronoun case. However, these errors do not interfere with readability or meaning.	Writing contains some major errors in spelling and grammar, including capitalization, formation of plurals, verb tense, and pronoun case. These errors are sufficient to interfere with readability but not meaning.	Writing contains numerous major and minor errors in spelling and grammar, sufficient to interfere with both readability and meaning.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (3-12 points):

Ideas and Voice (2-8)
Story Structure (4-16)
Character Development and Dialogue (3-12)
Language (2-8)
Writing Mechanics (3-12)
TOTAL SCORE: (14-56)

NAME OF CONTEST JUDGE:

COMMENTS:

COLLINGWORD 2025 YOUTH WRITING CONTEST
SCORING RUBRIC FOR AGES 16-18

ENTRY TITLE:

ENTRY NUMBER:

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
IDEAS AND VOICE: The extent to which the story and writing reflect both the author’s personal voice and the teen experience.
Approach to the topic is fresh and original. Ideas are supported by specific relevant details about teen life.	Ideas are clearly expressed and supported by specific relevant details about teen life.	Ideas are somewhat clear and marginally supported by details about teen life.	Ideas are unfocused or undeveloped and not supported by details about teen life.
Writing consistently reveals author’s personality and point of view.	Writing shows flashes of author’s personality and point of view.	Writing gives hints as to author’s personality and point of view.	Writing is flat, revealing nothing about the author’s personality and point of view.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (2-8 points):

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
STORY STRUCTURE: The extent to which dramatic conflict, the ordering of scenes, the sequence of events, and the transitions between them all build from an opening hook to a logical and satisfying conclusion.
Opening hooks the reader immediately and presents or establishes at least three of the following: a character, the setting, the conflict, the mood.	Opening grabs the reader’s attention and presents or establishes at least two of the following: a character, the setting, the conflict, the mood.	Opening is present but not compelling. An attempt has been made to present or establish at least one of: character, setting, conflict, mood.	Opening is present but confusing for the reader or unrelated to the rest of the story.
Clear, purposeful use of both internal and external conflict to build suspense.	Clear, purposeful use of conflict to build suspense.	Use of conflict is inconsistent and therefore not as effective as it could be.	Minimal or no conflict means no suspense.
A clear, purposeful sequence of scenes that unfold naturally, showing the reader a chain of cause-and-effect events. No gaps in plot logic.	A clear sequence of scenes that unfold logically, forming a chain of cause-and-effect. No major gaps in plot logic.	Attempts have been made to sequence events/scenes logically, but the plot is hard to follow in some places.	Unclear or illogical sequence of events/scenes. Multiple plot holes, some major.
Plot situations reach logical and emotionally satisfying conclusions.	All the loose ends are tied up at the conclusion, with mixed effectiveness.	Most of the loose ends are tied up.	The story doesn’t conclude — it just stops.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (4-16 points):

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & DIALOGUE: The extent to which the characters “come to life on the page” by being psychologically complex, robustly described, and emotionally authentic.
Develops complex characters through dialogue / inner voice, narration, and action.	Develops characters through dialogue / inner voice, narration, and action.	Some attempt at character development through dialogue/inner voice, narration, or action.	Characters are psychologically flat and emotionally inauthentic.
Actions and interactions are consistently “in character” and emotionally motivated.	Actions and interactions are consistently “in character” and motivations are clear.	Actions and interactions are generally “in character” but motivations are unclear or lacking.	Actions and interactions are frequently out of character and illogical.
Dialogue or inner voice is effectively used to reveal underlying facets of the characters involved.	Dialogue or inner voice reflects various facets of the characters involved.	Dialogue or inner voice attempts with some success to reveal a facet of the character speaking.	Dialogue or inner voice is minimally used and reveals nothing new about the characters involved.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (3-12 points):

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
LANGUAGE: The extent to which the author demonstrates an awareness of audience and purpose through effective use of descriptive details, accurate and evocative word choice, and creative use of literary devices.
Uses creative, concrete language and makes thoughtful word choices. In particular: precise nouns, vividly descriptive adjectives, and powerful action verbs.	Uses mostly creative, concrete language and makes effective word choices. In particular: precise nouns and powerful action verbs.	Language used is accurate but not powerful. Most word choices are correct, although many could be more effective.	Limited vocabulary is used, leading to sameness of language and few effective word choices.
Makes powerful use of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, and rich sensory detail.	Makes apt and effective use of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, and rich sensory detail.	Literary devices are functional but not descriptive. Attempts to include sensory detail result in mixed success.	Literary devices and sensory detail are lacking or poorly executed.

TOTAL THIS SECTION (2-8 points):

EXCELLENT (4)	STRONG (3)	FAIR (2)	DEVELOPING (1)
WRITING MECHANICS: The extent to which the author demonstrates command of the “nuts and bolts” of writing: correct grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation.
Writing contains an effective and interesting variety of sentence types, lengths, and structures. Important thoughts and ideas are placed in positions of emphasis within each sentence and paragraph.	Writing contains a variety of sentence types, lengths, and structures. Most of the important thoughts and ideas are placed in positions of emphasis in their sentences and paragraphs.	Writing contains some sentence variety but also some passages of repetitiveness. Some important thoughts and ideas are in positions of emphasis.	Writing makes limited use of sentence variety, resulting in stilted, unnatural-sounding prose.
Writing shows consistent mastery of punctuation, particularly in the placement of commas, and in the use of quotation marks in dialogue. The prose communicates the author’s message with clarity.	Punctuation is mostly correct. Errors are few and minor and do not interfere with communication.	Writing contains some punctuation errors that create ambiguity, thus occasionally interfering with communication.	Writing contains numerous punctuation errors, sufficient to muddy the meaning of the prose and interfere in a major way with its ability to communicate with the reader.
Writing shows consistent mastery of spelling and grammar, including capitalization, formation of plurals, verb tense, and pronoun case. The author’s style enhances the readability and meaning of the prose.	Writing contains minor errors in spelling and grammar, including capitalization, formation of plurals, verb tense, and pronoun case. However, these errors do not interfere with readability or meaning.	Writing contains some major errors in spelling and grammar, including capitalization, formation of plurals, verb tense, and pronoun case. These errors are sufficient to interfere with readability but not meaning.	Writing contains numerous major and minor errors in spelling and grammar, sufficient to interfere with both readability and meaning.