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 full Detials

Theme + Genres

The theme of this year’s contest is:


BELONGING


Accepted genres include: Contemporary, historical fiction,
fantasy, and science fiction, but each story must be centered
on the theme of belonging.


Stories should be written with an upper Middle Grade and/or
YA audience in mind.


Submissions Close September 1st.

Prizes



1st Place:

$50 Amazon gift card

Lantern Lighters 2026 Award

Editorial feedback

Winning story published on our website + social media


2nd Place:

$25 Amazon gift card

Editorial feedback

Winning story published on our website + social media


3rd Place:

Winning story published on our website + social media

Rules

--Stories must be formatted in 12-point Times New Roman.


--Paragraphs must be double spaced.


--Stories cannot exceed 1,000 words.


--No part of your story may be generated or edited by AI.


--Stories must not contain profanity, gore, or sexual content
or innuendo.


--Up to 2 submissions per author allowed.


Stories MAY be read and critiqued by friends or a
professional editor prior to submission.

Submit Your Story >>

 

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