Pen & Quill’s 3rd Annual Summer Competition

Pen&Quill is a 501(c)(3) literary nonprofit dedicated to creating an equitable platform where young writers can gain confidence and pursue their literary goals. They offer everything from free peer editing to writing guides to national competitions. Last year, their Annual 2024 Summer Competition received over 100 submissions from 20 U.S. states, 15 countries, and 6 continents. The resulting competition winners and issue feature more than 30 talented young voices!

This year, the organizer is excited to announce the summer competition once again. There’s a moment after the sun has dipped beneath the horizon, but before the sky goes dark. Gold softens the edges of the world. Everything seems to glow. This period is referred to as “afterlight” or “afterglow.” This year, our theme is one of transition, memory, and becoming: the cusp of adolescence, the end of childhood, the beginning of something new. We’re looking for writing that captures the glow before darkness. The beauty of what flickers—briefly, beautifully—before it’s gone.

Prizes

• 1st Place: $200
• 2nd Place: $100
• 3rd Place: $50

Winners will also receive two books each, provided by Princeton University Press + 1-year print and archive subscription to Ploughshares, provided by Ploughshares at Emerson College

Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.