Story Shares’ annual Relevant Reads writing contest generates new, accessible stories for a wide network of readers across 44 states and 26 countries who are working to improve their literacy skills.
Story Shares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging reading practice and improving literacy, is accepting entries for its annual Relevant Reads writing contest. The submission window opens August 23, 2016, and closes December 31, 2016. Writers are invited to submit manuscripts between 1,000 and 10,000 words in a variety of genres—historical fiction, horror and suspense, fantasy, and other categories that support diverse representation—so that every reader can find stories that reflect their experiences. The contest also includes a “For Teens by Teens” category to welcome submissions from writers under 18 who want to share their voices with the organization’s growing library.
The aim of the Relevant Reads contest is to produce compelling, approachable books for middle school and high school readers and young adults, while using language and structure that make the texts more accessible for those who struggle with reading. Over the four-month submission period, Story Shares seeks to add hundreds of readable, engaging stories to its collection—books that are easy to read, but hard to put down.
As with many writing contests, Story Shares offers cash prizes ranging from $500 to $3,000 and publication in both digital and print formats. What sets this contest apart is the immediate, measurable impact entrants can have: Story Shares already serves a broad network of readers across 44 states and 26 countries who are eager for new material. These readers—and their teachers—use stories from the Story Shares library to practice reading and strengthen literacy skills.
Authors who place in the contest gain a wide audience and the opportunity to contribute directly to Story Shares’ mission of changing the literacy landscape for teens and young adults who struggle to read. Submitted stories become part of a purpose-driven library used in classrooms, tutoring programs, and independent reading practice.
“Our writers and the stories they submit have an enormous impact,” says Louise Baigelman, co-founder and executive director of Story Shares. “Tens of millions of teens and young adults lack the literacy skills needed to read the books written for their age and interests. Literacy is a foundational skill that affects every aspect of life and society. Each book reaches thousands of students, improving their reading and writing skills while preparing them for greater academic and professional success.”
A lack of literacy affects academic achievement, employment opportunities, civic participation, and everyday communication. Students who fall behind in reading often require remediation, and without targeted resources they can become trapped in a cycle that is difficult to break. Story Shares focuses on producing materials that reach struggling readers—including English language learners, students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, and students from low-income communities—by offering age-appropriate, high-interest texts written with accessible language.
The annual writing contest helps Story Shares expand its library of Relevant Reads to better serve millions of readers who currently lack books that match their interests and reading levels. Books produced through the organization’s previous contests have motivated students who previously disliked reading to pick up books and even try writing themselves. Teachers report that these texts give them practical tools to engage discouraged readers and support literacy instruction.
Story Shares’ work supports a wide range of struggling readers by combining engaging stories with a deliberate focus on accessibility. By building a diverse collection of Relevant Reads, the organization seeks to transform how teens and young adults connect with literature, learn to read more confidently, and gain the skills they need for future success.
For details about the contest and submission guidelines, visit StoryShares.org/contest for current information on entry requirements, prize awards, and publication opportunities.