Writing for Children Competition 2026 | Entry deadline MAY 31 (Monday, March 16, 2026)

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Writing for Children Competition 2026

Deadline MAY 31, 2026

CANSCAIP’s annual Writing for Children Competition is now open for entries! It's Canada’s largest competition for children’s writers, and we welcome submissions from unpublished and self-published writers. The deadline for entries is May 31.

A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the winning Middle Grade and Young Adult entries, and two winning Picture Book entries. Two finalists in each category will also be selected. CANSCAIP sends the finalist and winner entries to Annick Press, Kids Can Press and Scholastic Canada for their consideration.

Every Writing for Children Competition entry gets a written evaluation by a traditionally published CANSCAIP Member volunteer reader. Entries advancing to the second round get another evaluation, and entries on the shortlist get evaluations by each jury member. The Competition readers will not be provided with the writers' names.

Entrants must be over the age of 18, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, with no traditionally published books in any genre or for any age. Self-published writers are also eligible to enter the Competition. Previously submitted entries can be re-submitted for the 2026 Competition.

CANSCAIP Friends pay $40 for one entry, $70 for two entries, $90 for three entries. Non-members pay $50 for one entry, $85 for two entries, $105 for three entries. To get the Friend rate, please join CANSCAIP before you register.

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Writing for Children Competition 2026 | Entry deadline MAY 31 (Monday, March 16, 2026)