Write the World is a US-based non-profit that runs free online writing competitions for teenagers aged 13 to 19 anywhere in the world. A new competition opens on the first Monday of each month with a rotating genre — poetry, flash fiction, science fiction, journalism, screenwriting, op-ed, memoir and more — and writers have about three weeks to submit. The August 2026 round is the Flash Fiction competition, a 100-word short-story challenge. Entries are judged by authors, editors and teaching professionals, and the platform pairs each contest with a structured feedback loop so writers can revise before the deadline.
Benefits & funding
- Free to enter; a free account is all that is required, open to teens in any country.
- Cash prizes each month (USD): winner $100, runner-up $50, best peer reviewer $50.
- Select 2026 competitions also award Blackwing pencil-and-stationery sets.
- The first 50 writers to submit a draft receive an in-depth review from an Expert Reviewer (published authors, writing teachers, educators).
- Peer review from other teen writers on the platform.
- Winners are promoted on Write the World’s blog and Instagram.
Eligibility
- Open to writers aged 13-19.
- Open worldwide, regardless of country of residence.
- No entry fee; a free Write the World account is required.
Can you apply?
Worth a closer look
Sign in and add your profile to check this against your nationality, residency, and studies.
Education required
High School
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Age requirement
13–19 yrs
Not in your profile yet
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Create a free Write the World account as a young writer.
- 2Open the featured or current competition and read its prompt and word limit.
- 3Click to join the competition and draft your piece on the platform.
- 4Optionally submit an early draft for expert or peer feedback, then revise.
- 5Enter your final piece before the competition closes; you may keep editing until judging begins.
Program timeline
First Monday of each month
a new competition opens.
Around three weeks later
submission deadline.
Flash Fiction competition window.
August 3 - August 24, 2026