An annual creative writing competition for teenagers.

Those aged from 13 to 19 years before the competition deadline.

There is no entry fee.

We accept any creative writing genre, and you can send up to three entries. Show us your versatility.

There is a limit of around 4000 words. You must realise that winning entries are chosen for inclusion in an anthology. Have a look at the Re-Draft books for guidance.

They are in secondary school, university and public libraries, and you may also find them in school English Departments. They can be purchased from Clerestory Press.

Award-winning writers such as Alan Bunn, James Norcliffe, Tessa Duder, Michelle Elvy and Glyn Strange. The long-term involvement of our judges provides consistency and fairness in the judging standards.

Publication is the prize. This is the prize most cherished by all writers. The Re-Draft books typically contain the work of many authors, and all who win places are equal winners. You will also receive a free copy of the book that you are published in. If you create a catchy title, it may be chosen as the title of the book.

28 August 2026. We recommend that you start work on your entries much earlier in the year. Last-minute rushes often don’t reach the required standard.

Complete the Online Entry Form and send us your entries as .docx files attached to an email. See Entry Guidelines for further details.

Is it worthwhile to browse through the Re-Draft books? Yes! You’ll find inspiration, encouragement and knowledge. Only the Re-Draft competition provides so many examples of good writing that you can work out for yourself what is meant by the word “publishable”. You’ll also realise how flexible our judges are.

Ask your teacher or librarian for help. The Re-Draft books are well known, and are available in the first term or semester. So you have plenty of time to get organised! But if you still can’t find a copy of the most recent edition, please contact us.