Writing for young adults is a whole new ball game. And one that is continually evolving, it seems. This audience, hugely affected and influenced by smartphones, the internet and a crass in yer face world where nothing seems to be off limits, has, unsurprisingly, a shorter attention span. This TikTok generation often resorts to text speak and when reading books will opt for an ebook over a physical one. However, this sweeping generalisation does not apply to some, such as judge Harriett Saunders (13), who enjoys the paperback experience. She is currently reading Measle and the Wrathmonk by Ian Ogilvy and is a fan of Malorie Blackman.
This is not an area that Paul Cave ventured into but if he had, I am sure he would have been enthusiastic about such an award and would certainly have wanted to publish books about cricket and football from a teenager's perspective.
Winners receive feedback, cash prizes and copies of the book featuring their work.
This is not an area that Paul Cave ventured into but if he had, I am sure he would have been enthusiastic about such an award and would certainly have wanted to publish books about cricket and football from a teenager's perspective.
Winners receive feedback, cash prizes and copies of the book featuring their work.
What we are looking for
Short stories of up to 5,000 words.
Subjects can include murder mystery, science fiction, sport or matters that affect teenagers, like technology.
Subjects can include murder mystery, science fiction, sport or matters that affect teenagers, like technology.
Judges
We read every single submission and provide feedback to the winners, which is useful for personal development. Unlike other contests, no AI is used whatsoever!
Prizes
1st prize - £100
2nd prize - £50
3rd prize - £25
2nd prize - £50
3rd prize - £25
Winners will have extracts of their work published on this web page and will receive a complimentary copy of The Paul Cave Prize for Teenage Fiction 2024 book to be published by the end of 2024.
All approved submissions will feature in The Paul Cave Prize for Teenage Fiction 2024. Each writer who submits a piece of approved work is guaranteed to have it published in the book.
All approved submissions will feature in The Paul Cave Prize for Teenage Fiction 2024. Each writer who submits a piece of approved work is guaranteed to have it published in the book.
How to enter
1. email your submission(s) to [email protected]
2. send payment by Paypal to [email protected]
or a cheque made payable to Creative Coverage and posted to 49 Church Close, Locks Heath, Southampton SO31 6LR. England. (Make sure the correct postage is paid otherwise it will not be delivered)
International submissions accepted.
2. send payment by Paypal to [email protected]
or a cheque made payable to Creative Coverage and posted to 49 Church Close, Locks Heath, Southampton SO31 6LR. England. (Make sure the correct postage is paid otherwise it will not be delivered)
International submissions accepted.
Submissions will be accepted on receipt of fee outlined below:
One short story - £30
Two short stories - £40
One short story - £30
Two short stories - £40
Entries open
May 1, 2024
Entries close
July 30, 2024
Winners announced
September 1, 2024
Important note regarding BT email addresses
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