Young Author Guidelines

Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements will be returned to the author.

Maximum of two authors/illustrators per manuscript (must be in same grade & school). Students can only collaborate on one manuscript.

Written piece must be an original fiction short story—maximum 20 pages, no poetry, no graphic novels, no nonfiction/informational text.

Illustrations may be used to enhance the story.

Content must be appropriate for peer audience.

K-2 students may hand in a handwritten story.

• Dictated books may be typed or handwritten by an adult, but the story must remain in the student’s own language.

3^rd - 8^th grade students must hand in a typewritten manuscript.

Students must complete their manuscripts without any teacher input.

Manuscript must have a substantial cover (like a report cover) with 8 ½ x 11 paper securely attached.

Cover Page must include: Title, author’s name, grade level, school, homeroom number and teacher name, optional: illustration.