Submissions for the 2026 Short Story Contest are now open!
WRITE ON!
Welcome to the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library’s Short Story Contest
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an author or publishing a book? Whether you’re a writing pro or just looking to see what you can do, now is your chance!
If you live or go to school in Innisfil and are in Grades 3-12, you’re invited to enter the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library’s annual Short Story Contest.
Canadian Children’s author, Paul Coccia* is this year’s judge. This is your chance to have your story read by a published author! Not sure where to get started? Click here for inspiration and guidance from 2020’s judge Naseem Hrab!
There are fantastic prizes to be won! Winners receive plaques, gift cards, and printed anthologies of the winning stories. The best overall story will also win the Seepe Walters Award, a $500 grand prize.
So what are you waiting for? Enter now!
*Self-Proclaimed Author of Glitterature, Paul Coccia has a specialist in English Lit from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Toronto and can often be found baking in his kitchen with his dogs and a little grey parrot. Find out more about his work here.
We can’t wait to learn from this incredible author!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Deadline: Friday, December 18, 2026, at midnight
Are there page limits? Yes!
Grades 3-6 (junior division):
Minimum 1 page (250 words), maximum of 4 pages (1000 words)
Grades 7-8 (intermediate division):
Minimum 2 pages (500 words), maximum of 8 pages (2000 words)
Grades 9-12 (senior division):
Minimum 3 pages (750 words), maximum of 12 pages (3000 words)
Are there specific rules? Yes!
- Original works of fiction only, not works generated by A.I. will be considered
- You must go to school in Innisfil, and have an active library card. If you don’t have a library card, find out how to get one here.
- Type your story in 12-point font
- Submit your story electronically as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or Open Office (.odt) document using the webform below (No PDFs please)
- Do not include your name on any of the pages of your story (this information is collected through the entry form)
Please note: if you are having difficulties submitting your story using the form below, please email it instead to ljeffery@innisfilidealab.ca. Please ensure that the body of the email includes all the information required by the form below, including your acknowledgment of the content’s rules, and that your story is attached in one of the following formats: .doc, .docx, or .odt (open office).
Submissions for the 2026 Short Story Contest are now open.
How do I know if I’ve won?
Five finalists from each category will be notified in February. Due to the large number of entries we receive, only winners will be notified. Whether or not your story wins a prize this year, you are still a winner for having the courage to put your story out into the world. Keep being brave, keep believing in yourself, and keep writing! We look forward to reading more of your work!
Let’s Celebrate!
Winners will be announced in March 2027.
PAST WINNERS
Go on, take a look! You’ll be amazed at the talent and creativity you’ll find here.