The Lantern Lighters Writing Contest 2026 is open for entries.
Submission Guidelines
- The theme of this year’s contest is: BELONGING.
- Accepted genres include: Contemporary, historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction, but each story must be centred
on the theme of belonging. - Stories should be written with an upper Middle Grade and/or YA audience in mind.
- Stories cannot exceed 1,000 words.
- This contest is open to writers ages 13-18.
Entry fee: $10
Prizes:
- 1st Place: $50 Amazon gift card, Lantern Lighters 2026 Award, Editorial feedback, Winning story published on our website + social media
- 2nd Place: $25 Amazon gift card, Editorial feedback, Winning story published on our website + social media
- 3rd Place: Winning story published on our website + social media
Deadline: 1st September, 2026
Please note: This is an external competition; all details and all submissions are on their website. Click here.
For further live competitions, please click here.