Teen ETCH Creative Writing Contest
This contest is now closed. The 2026 Teen ETCH contest launches March 2026.
Teen etch carousel
The annual Teen Etch Writing contest is a partnership between the Guelph Public Library and the Vocamus Writers Community. Teens, in grades 7 through 12, who reside in Guelph and Wellington County, are given the chance to become a published author by submitting their original short story or poem to be considered for inclusion in the anthology.
Interested participants can enter the Teen ETCH Creative Writing contest by submitting an original short story and/or poetry piece in 1,500 words or less.
In conjunction with the writing contest, we also host a Cover Art Contest with the winner’s original artwork being featured on the cover of the Etch Anthology.
All submissions will be judged by librarians and local industry professionals. Finalists will then be paired with a local author mentor, who will share creative writing techniques to help polish their submission for final judging. Winners shall be chosen based upon creativity, originality, style, grammar and spelling. The decision of the judges is final.
Prizes will be awarded for both short story and poetry submissions. The top three entries in each of the following categories will receive prizes: Grades 7 to 8, Grades 9 to 10, Grades 11 to 12, and poetry selections over all grade categories. Prizes for this contest are generously provided through the KIWANIS Club of Guelph.
For information regarding the 2026 contest please contact Amy Lychwa at alychwa@guelphpl.ca