The One Teen Story Contest is an annual writing competition that invites young writers between the ages of 13 and 19 across the world to submit their original short stories.
The deadline for entries is Monday 1st December 2025.
The One Teen Story Competition is provided by Brooklyn, New York based One Story Inc. The organisation was founded in 2001 to support the short story as an art form by publishing and mentoring a diverse range of writers.
The contest aims to showcase the diverse voices and experiences of teenagers through fiction. Entrants can submit stories in any genre, provided they feature teen protagonists and explore themes relevant to the teen experience.
The following criteria applies to the competition:
o To enter, you must be between the ages of 13-19 as of December 1, 2025.
o Short stories should be between 2,000 to 4,500 words and be the writer’s own original, previously unpublished work.
o Previously published stories and stories forthcoming at other publications cannot be considered. This includes stories that have been self-published online on personal websites or other publishing platforms, including blogs and school publications.
o By submitting your work, you are acknowledging that it is your own creation, that it has not been borrowed from any other person’s work (including film, video, and online content), that it has not been created with any assistance from AI tools or software, and that the characters and situations are of your own invention.
o Stories should have teens as their main characters and be about the teen experience.
o No entry fee is required.
o Only one submission per person.
o One Teen Story reserves the right to approve all final, edited content.
o A parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form for One Teen Story to publish the names of winners and honorable mentions who are under the age of 18 on our website and social media platforms.
oYou must submit through the One Teen Story online submission manager.
o Proof of age must be provided by all winners and finalists.
Each year, the contest receives numerous submissions from around the world, highlighting the global reach and interest in teen storytelling. Winners are selected based on the originality of their narratives, the depth of their characters, and the emotional resonance of their stories. The winning stories are then published on the One Teen Story platform, providing the authors with a platform to share their work with a broader audience.
Winners of the contest receive a $500 prize and the opportunity to work with a One Teen Story editor before their story is published on the One Story website. Honorable mentions are awarded in three age categories: 13–15, 16–17, and 18–19. These honorees are recognised on the website, via email announcements, and on social media platforms.
In addition to publication, winners receive a monetary prize and the opportunity to work with experienced editors to refine their stories. This mentorship aspect of the contest helps young writers develop their craft and gain valuable insights into the world of professional writing.
The One Teen Story Contest not only celebrates the creativity of young writers but also fosters a community of teen authors who can connect, share experiences, and support each other’s growth. By providing a platform for teen voices, the contest contributes to the rich tapestry of contemporary literature and encourages the next generation of storytellers to share their unique perspectives.
For more information, please visit the One Story website.
