Highlights for Children is a long-running and well-respected magazine for children. Started in 1946 by educator Garry Cleveland Myers, PhD, and his wife Caroline Clark Myers, the kids’ magazine is still going strong with over 2 million readers a year. Filled with stories, puzzles and crafts to entertain and educate kids, Highlights magazine is the publishing brass ring for new and experienced children’s writers. In addition to publishing several fiction and nonfiction stories each month, Highlights sponsors a writing contest each year that’s open published as well as unpublished writers.
The Highlights Fiction Contest for Children’s Writers
Highlights for Children magazine has been running their annual children’s writing fiction contest since 1979. Each year, stories for the contest focus on a theme, like contemporary multi-cultural stories, stories from the future or funny stories for kids. Three winners are chosen each year and win a cash price of $1,000 or free tuition to the Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop. The winning stories become the property of Highlights and may be published in the magazine. Since 1980, over 75 winning children's stories have been published in the magaizne.
Entry dates for the contest generally are due each year in the month of January. Guidelines are posted in the fall of the previous year. The magazine looks for stories aimed at young readers (3 to 7 years old) and middle-grade readers (8 to 12 years old).
How to Enter Highlights Annual Fiction Contest
- Entry date: Usually between January 1 and January 31 of each year.
- Theme: New each year. Check out the current in Highlights for Children magazine Fiction Contest web page. The magazine contest does not accept stories that include crime, violence or insulting humor.
- Entry fee: None
- Writer Requirement: 16 years or old at the time of submission. Open to published and unpublished writers.
- Word Count: Up to 750 words for middle-grade children’s stories, not to exceed 475 words for beginning readers. Word counts need to be indicated in the upper right corner on page one of the manuscript. Standard manuscript formatting should be followed.
- SASE: Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if the manuscript is to be returned.
- Other Formatting: No entry form is needed, but “Fiction Contest” must appear on the manuscript or envelope, otherwise it will be considered a regular submission to the magazine.
- Contest Address: FICTION CONTEST, Highlights for Children, 803 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.
- Due date: Usually between January 1 to January 31 of each year, but check out website for specifics.
Writing contests can be a great way to move a writing career forward or test children's magazine writing waters. It’s an opportunity to write to a deadline and within editorial guidelines. The Highlights for Children's annual fiction writting contest is one of the best opportunities for children's writers. Anyone who wants to write for children should give this contest a try.
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