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INTERNATIONAL YOUNG WRITERS PUBLISHING CONTEST 2026

This contest nurtures young storytellers through expert-led workshops and offers the chance to be professionally published. Winning entries are compiled into a book sold online, with profits shared among the young authors.

Rules & Guidelines

  1. Eligibility

  • Open to Malaysian and international students, aged 7 to 18 years old in 2026.

  • Participants will compete in the following four age categories:

    • Junior Category A: Ages 7-9

    • Junior Category B: Ages 10-12

    • Teen Category A: Ages 13-15

    • Teen Category B: Ages 16-18

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    2. Submission Rules

  • Genre: All genres of original storytelling are accepted, including fiction and creative nonfiction (e.g., Animal Tales, Science Fiction, Ghost & Ghouls, Asian Tales, Western Tales, Magic & Fantasy, Adventure & Mystery, Heartwarmers).

  • Participants must register and pay the entry fee before submitting their entry.

  • Late submissions will not be accepted.

  • Prohibited Content/Methods

  • Previously published works or works accepted for publication elsewhere.

  • Co-authored works (group submissions are not allowed).

  • The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools or software for writing or generating the story is strictly prohibited. Any entry found to have used AI will be immediately disqualified.

  • Story Length and Format

  • Junior Category: Maximum of 3,000 words.

  • Teen Category: Maximum of 6,000 words.

  • Exact word count must be included at the end of the story. Entries exceeding the limit will be disqualified.

  • Language: English.

  • Submission file format: DOCX or PDF.

  • File naming format: Category_Name_StoryTitle.

  • All entries must be typewritten, double-spaced, have one-inch margins, and be page-numbered.

  • Free of names, addresses, or personal identifiers on the manuscript.

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    3. Content Restriction

  • Entries must not include hate speech or discriminatory content

  • Excessive violence or graphic imagery is prohibited

  • Explicit adult content is not allowed

  • Highly sensitive or political themes must be avoided​

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Event Timeline

  1. Registration Phase 

    1. Date : ​To be confirmed

    2. Workshop Dates: 3 January to 11 January 2026 (Live Online Sessions via Zoom)

  2. Submission Phase

    1. Deadline : To be confirmed

    2. Late submissions will result in disqualification

  3. Judging Phase ​

    1. Date : ​To be confirmed

    2. Judges will review and score all submissions based on official criteria (Creativity, Plot, Language Use, Character Development, Theme).

    3. Scores will be combined to determine the winners

  4. Finalist Announcement Phase 

    1. X participants from each category

    2. Date : ​To be conformed

    3. Venue (In person) : To be confirmed

    4. Results will be announced on the official website, social media platform and email.

June 2025 - April 2026

July 2024 - May 2025

January 2023 - June 2024

 Judging Criteria

1.Creativity

Assesses how unique and imaginative the story is. Judges will look for fresh ideas, creative storytelling, and the writer's ability to present something distinctive.

2.Structure

Evaluates how well the story flows. This includes having a clear beginning, middle, and ending, smooth transitions, and a well-built storyline that is easy to follow.

3.Language Use & Writing Quality

Focuses on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, clarity, and overall writing style. Strong, polished language that enhances the story will score higher .

4.Character Devlopment

Judges look at how well characters are created, described, and developed, considering their depth, motivations, and how convincingly they contribute to the story .

5.Theme & Message

Examines how effectively the story conveys its main idea. Entries should reflect the intended theme and deliver a meaningful or impactful takeaway .

6.Adherence to Formatting Standards

Submissions must strictly follow the document requirements, including double-spacing, one-inch margins, page numbering, and ensuring the manuscript is free of personal identifiers to ensure impartial judging.

Prizes & Recognition

  • All Participants: Receive a Participation Certificate delivered by post.

  • Winners (1st Place): Cash Prize (varying by category RM1000–RM2500), Medallion, and Certificate.

  • Publication: Winning short stories will be professionally published in a limited edition book and e-book.

  • Profit Sharing: Profits from the book sales will be shared with the winners.

Registration fees

  • Fee: RM 68 per participant (Includes access to the 9-day online writing workshop, entry submission, and e-certificate)

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