Love writing? Aged 10-18? We’re looking for the freshest, boldest words in Norfolk.
The Young Norfolk Writing Prize – the popular annual competition celebrating creative writing in all its forms – is designed for 10–18-year-olds living or studying in Norfolk.
Send us stories, lyrics, narrative for games, graphic stories, poems, spoken word, scripts, podcasts, plays, articles, journalism or essays, and you could be in with the chance of winning a range of prizes!
Categories
Category 1
- Poetry
- Lyrics
- Spoken Word
Category 2
- Fiction
- Creative Non-Fiction
- Illustrated writing e.g. Picture book, graphic novel, comics & storyboard
- Script
Word limits
Poetry, lyrics, spoken word, fiction, creative non-fiction
500 words or up to 40 lines for poetry
Illustrated writing
Up to four sides of A4
Audio entries
Up to five minutes in length
Script
500 words
How to enter
The 2024 prize is open for entries from Monday 5 February. Complete the digital application form here to enter.
Your entries should be typed. You can use any programme such as Microsoft Word, Pages (Apple) or Google Docs.
Please ensure the name of your document is the same as your story.
If your piece is longer than the rules above we are afraid it will not be submitted to the judges.
The deadline for applications is 5pm, Monday 29 April.
If you have any queries about the competition or how to enter, please email Prize Coordinator Cai Draper at [email protected].
Judging process
The Young Norfolk Writing Prize 2024 will be judged by young people who are previous winners, Young Norfolk Laureates and Lit From the Inside alumni.
Do you identify as neurodivergent? This year writers have the option to share their neurodivergent identity with the judges. This information will be kept secure and not shared beyond the judging panel, but it means that pieces by neurodivergent writers will be judged with the awareness that neurodivergency, for some, can create barriers to getting words and ideas on the page.
There will be six winners (two from each Key Stage), and twelve runners up selected.
Winners, runners up and their friends and family members will be invited to the Prize giving and showcase event on Friday 12 July 2024 6pm – 7pm at National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall.
Meet the winners
Are you a teacher?
Download tips for introducing the YNWP in the classroom and your work with young people.
Young Norfolk Writing Prize is supported by Arts Council England and Norfolk County Council.