Writing Contests
The Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books is proud to sponsor writing contests for nearly every age group. We offer contests for middle school and high school students, college students; and adults. There are competitions in poetry, non-fiction/essays, and short stories for each age group.
Start writing and get your entries in!
For Middle School and High School Students
Century Companies Student Writing Contest
- Waukesha County middle school and high school students can enter their original essay or poem
- Prizes for 1st Place ($250), 2nd Place ($175), and 3rd Place ($75)
- Winners are selected by a panel of current and retired educators
- Century Companies Essay and Poetry Contest sponsored by:
Duane Stein Short Story Contest
- Wisconsin middle school and high school students can enter an original short story of up to 2500 words
- Prizes for 1st Place ($2000), 2nd Place ($1000), and 3rd Place ($500)
- Winners are selected by a panel of Duane Stein’s former students with a final decision by Duane Stein
- Duane Stein Short Story Contest sponsored by:
For College Students
The Lillian Boese Award for Writing Excellence
- Open to college students who reside in or attend college in Southeast Wisconsin
- Categories in Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry
- Prizes for 1st Place ($350), 2nd Place ($250), and 3rd Place ($100) in each category
For Adults
ALLWRITERS’ Workplace & Workshop Adult Creative Writing Contest
- Open to adults 21 and older
- Categories in Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry
- Prizes for 1st Place ($200), 2nd Place ($100), and 3rd Place ($50) in each category
- Allwriters’ Workplace & Workshop Adult Creative Writing Contest sponsored by:
