Post-Conference Competition for Writers
We hope you have a wonderful experience at the New England Spring Conference and that you gain insight into your writing, while making lots of new friends.
To celebrate your progress, after the conference we invite you to submit to our Post-Conference Writing Contest
Contest Guidelines
Submit the first 250-words of an original, engaging story for children or young adults!
Eligibility:
- Open to registered 2025 New England Spring Conference Attendees.
- Each participant may submit only one manuscript to only one category. This means that if you write on multiple levels, you will need to pick one to submit. Multiple submissions will disqualify you in all categories.
Story Requirements:
- Theme & Audience: You can submit any type of work. It can be humorous, adventurous, heartwarming, or fantastical—we can’t wait to see what you’ve been writing. You will select picture book, chapter book, middle grade, or young adult. Your story should be written for the level you have selected.
- Length: You can submit no more than the first 250 words of your manuscript.
- Originality: Submissions must be original, unpublished, and created solely by the entrant. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
- No AI Assistance: Stories must be written entirely by the author. AI-generated content is not allowed.
Submission Process:
- After the conference you will receive a google doc for you to enter your submission along with Agent and Editor Submission guidelines and a conference survey. You have until June 14 to submit. This submission window is intentionally long to give you an opportunity to use the feedback you receive from a peer critique, workshop, or professional critique before you submit your work.
- You will also need a 1 - 3 line pitch.
Judging Criteria:
- Entries will be judged by a panel of volunteers. We are looking for manuscripts that are polished. Please take the time to edit your work.
Prizes & Recognition:
- One winner will be chosen from each category.
- Winners will be announced publicly by email and our social media platforms. Only the title and name of the winners will be shared. All writing that is entered into the google form will be deleted after winners are announced.
- Winning entries will be awarded a virtual call and critique with Chalesbrige and Move Books editor Eileen Robinson at a time to be determined after the event. Picture book winners can submit a full manuscript before that meeting. Chapter book, middle grade, and young adult authors can submit the first three chapters, up to 20 pages before the meeting.
- Winners will be announced on July 12.
By submitting, you agree to these guidelines. Applicants will not be contacted and given individual feedback if not selected as a winner.
We can’t wait to read your stories! 🎉