Celebrate the Arts Writing Contest

The Arts Council of Westerville, Westerville Public Library and ThisWeek Westerville News invite writers of all ages to submit original works in any genre. First place winners will be published in the newspaper.

This writing contest is one of many events organized by the Arts Council to mark April as "Celebrate the Arts" month in Westerville.

Submissions accepted from January 5 through March 4, 2015 at 9pm.

Guidelines for 2015

• An entry may be in any genre (short story, poem, etc.) and on any topic. Artwork is not considered.
• No more than 800 words may be submitted by an author. If more than one entry is submitted, total words may not exceed 800.
• Email submissions to artscouncilwesterville@gmail.com.*
• Electronically submitted entries are preferred and need to be in a Microsoft Word, 8 1/2 by 11 portrait.
• Submissions will not be returned.
• Entry deadline is Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 9pm

Note: This email address has changed. Please be sure to submit your work to artscouncilwesterville@gmail.com. Alternatively, you may deliver your work to the Youth Services desk at the Westerville Public Library.

Entries must be submitted according to the author's grade/age level:

• Students, Grades K-2
• Students, Grades 3-5
• Students, Grades 6-8
• Students, Grades 9-12
• Adults, Ages 18+

Entries must include the following information about the author:

• Author's name
• Address
• Email
• Phone
• Grade/Age Level

Attention: Teachers, we must have student contact information for entry to be considered.

Awards Reception & Published Works

• Winners will be contacted the first week in April. 
• Winners will receive their prizes and be invited to read from their work at a reception for family and friends. The Awards Reception will be held on Sunday, April 12 at the Westerville Public Library. Readings will be held at 2pm for Grades K-5 and 3pm for Grades 6-Adult.
• 1st place finishers for each level will be published in the local community newspaper, the ThisWeek Westerville News & Public Opinion (print version) in April. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable mention entries will be published online. Note: Entries are subject to being excerpted due to content length.
• All contest entries will be published in a professionally bound book available for purchase through Lulu.com. 1st place winners will receive a complimentary copy. The Arts Council reserves the right to exclude an entry from the Lulu book.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Linda W.