The Youth Short Story Category invites authors between the ages of thirteen and seventeen to submit a short story under 3,000 words. The winner in this category will receive $5,000 and the five finalists will each receive $500 each.

Q: Am I eligible (Youth Short Story category)?

A: To be eligible, the author must be between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. They must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The short story must be under 3,000 words; the single, original piece must be a fictional work written by a single author, available in English. Only one entry per youth author is allowed, but if you have submitted in previous years and still meet eligibility requirements, you may submit again. Written consent from the author’s parent or legal guardian must be submitted along with the entry.

Q: Does my story have to be published (Youth Short Story category)?

A: No, it does not. If published, it must have first been published between January 1 and December 31, 2023.

Q: How do I submit (Youth Short Story category)?

A: To enter the competition, the author, their parent, their legal guardian, or their publisher must submit a fully completed submission form for the short story they wish to enter. Only one short story may be submitted per youth author. For each submission, the person submitting the entry must send electronic versions of a completed submission form, including parental consent. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at amazoncanadafirstnovelaward@thewalrus.ca.

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Rules and Regulations