Calling all wordsmiths and storytellers! The Clermont County Public Library is thrilled to announce the return of our annual Short Story Contest.

Dust off your keyboards, sharpen your pencils, and unleash your inner storyteller! Whether you’ve been crafting tales for years or this is your first foray into writing, we want to hear from you.

Your chance to shine

• The Rules: We’re looking for original, unpublished short stories between 1,000 and 2,500 words, suitable for a general audience. Keep it captivating, keep it clean, and show us your best work! First-place winners from the 2024 contest are not eligible to win again in 2025 so that new voices can be heard.
• Age categories: We have categories for both teens (ages 11-17) and adults (18 and over). So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, there’s a place for your voice to shine.
• Win big: First place wins a $150 gift card, second place earns a $100 gift card, and third place receives a $50 gift card.
• Winners will be announced on April 15, 2025, and the stories will be published on the library’s website.
• Judging: We take judging seriously. Manuscripts are read blind, so the focus is solely on your story’s brilliance.

How to enter:

1. Craft your masterpiece: Write a captivating short story sure to grab readers’ attention.
2. Format it right: Double-space your manuscript and use a legible font.
3. Email your masterpiece: Send your story to contest@clermontlibrary.org with

• your name
• category (Adult or Teen)
• phone number in the email body.

Don’t forget to attach your story!

Accepted formats: Word Docs, Word Docx, and Txt files.

Deadline: Submissions are open from January 1 through January 31, 2025.

Remember:

• Be original: Your story should be your creation.
• Follow the guidelines: Make sure your submission meets all the requirements.
• Have fun: The most important thing is to enjoy the writing process!

Unleash your inner author and submit your story today!

Happy writing, and best of luck!

P.S. Spread the word to your fellow bookworms! Let’s make this year’s contest the biggest and best yet.

If your story is chosen, you must be able to visit one of our locations to claim your prize.