2026 Norfolk Literary Prize Writing Contest

2026 Entry Details

Welcome to the 2026 Norfolk Literary Prize writing contest! This is an open writing contest with no set theme or topic. We encourage writers of all experience levels to participate and share their voice with the community.

Details:

• There are two writing categories: short story and poetry.
• There are three age groups: children, youth, and adult.
• Each participant is allowed to submit two entries per category; however, you will only be entitled to claim one prize per category.
• Once an entry is submitted, it cannot be altered or withdrawn.
• Submissions must be typed documents.
• Word limit: 3000 words or less.

To enter, you must:

• Live in Norfolk County.
• Have a valid and active Norfolk County Public Library membership.
• Submit your own original work, which has not been published before.
• Be born in one of the following years/age groups:
  • Children: born within the years of 2013-2017
  • Youth: born within the years of 2009-2012
  • Adult: born in the year 2008 and earlier

Deadline for submission: 11:59 p.m. EST Friday, July 31, 2026

How to Enter: 

• Click the submission link below.
• Only online submissions will be accepted.
• If you are submitting more than one piece of writing, each submission requires a separate entry form.
• Submissions must be a Word (.docx) document.
• DO NOT put your name anywhere on the document you are submitting.

Judging:

• Each submission will be assigned a number upon entry to ensure anonymity.
• An entry will be disqualified if your name appears in the submitted document.
• The decision of the judges is final.
• Entries will be judged on creativity, clarity, originality, and technical writing skills. Please click here to see judging criteria.