One Teen Story Contest

Grades

High school students and some middle school students (ages 13-19)

Age

13-19 years old

Citizenship

Not explicitly stated; appears to be open to US participants (based on One Story being US-based)

Prerequisites

Must be able to write original short fiction; no publication history required

Steps

1. Visit one-story.com/write/one-teen-story-contest
2. Create account or log in to submission platform
3. Upload original short story in required format
4. Complete entry form with personal information and story details
5. Pay submission fee (amount not confirmed)
6. Submit before deadline

Materials Needed

• Original short story (fiction, about teen experience)
• Story title
• Author bio or personal information
• Contact information
• Possibly proof of age

Timeline

Typically annual contest; specific open/close dates not confirmed from available sources. Generally recommend submitting 2-4 weeks before deadline to allow for revisions.

Cost

Submission fee amount not confirmed from accessible sources

What Judges Look For

• Authentic portrayal of teen experience and voice
• Strong narrative structure and story arc
• Well-developed characters with depth and complexity
• Original and compelling subject matter
• Technical writing quality (grammar, punctuation, style)
• Emotional resonance and reader engagement
• Age-appropriate content and themes

Scoring

Not publicly available from accessible sources

Common Mistakes

• Clichéd or predictable plot lines
• Using adult voice rather than authentic teen perspective
• Unclear or rushed ending
• Poor proofreading and editing
• Exceeding or falling significantly short of word count requirements
• Submitting previously published work
• Writing about topics outside the teen experience focus

Acceptance Rate

Not publicly available; estimated to be highly competitive (likely 1-5% based on similar literary contests)

Applicants

Not confirmed from available sources

Winners / Selected

Appears to be 1-3 grand prize winners plus honorable mentions in three age categories (13-15, 16-17, 18-19)

• Write about genuine teen experiences—authenticity resonates with judges
• Develop a unique voice; avoid imitating adult literary styles
• Start with a strong hook to capture reader attention immediately
• Create meaningful, multi-dimensional characters beyond stereotypes
• Show rather than tell—use specific details and dialogue
• Revise extensively; aim for 5-10 drafts minimum before submission
• Have multiple readers provide feedback, ideally including teachers or writing mentors
• Proofread meticulously; grammar and spelling errors reduce competitiveness
• Choose a story with emotional depth or surprising insight, not just plot
• Read previous One Story magazine issues to understand editorial preferences
• Submit well before deadline to avoid technical issues
• Follow all formatting requirements exactly as specified
• Consider age category strategically if your age falls between categories

How to Prepare

• Read widely in teen-focused short fiction and literary magazines
• Study One Story magazine issues to understand editorial voice and quality standards
• Take creative writing classes or workshops if available
• Join school literary magazine or writing club for feedback and practice
• Write multiple short stories to build skills and generate submission candidates
• Read craft books on short story writing (Flannery O'Connor, Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King)
• Attend writing conferences or retreats focused on teen writers
• Practice free-writing and journaling regularly
• Get feedback from English teachers, mentors, or writing groups
• Revise and polish your strongest stories over time
• Study winning entries if previous winners are showcased online

Resources

• One Story magazine (read actual issues to understand quality)
• Creative writing textbooks and craft books
• Writing workshops and summer programs for teens
• School English department and teachers for mentorship
• Local writing communities and critique groups
• Online writing platforms like Wattpad for feedback (cautiously)
• YouTube channels on creative writing and short story craft
• Books: 'The Art of Short Fiction' or similar craft guides
• University extension creative writing courses
• Writer's conferences with teen tracks (SCBWI, etc.)

Time Needed

6-12 months of consistent preparation recommended. Ideally, begin developing writing skills a year before submission deadline, with focused preparation on specific story 2-3 months before deadline.

While specific past winners couldn't be accessed, successful applicants likely include: high school creative writing club members, students with prior writing experience, those published in school literary magazines, teenagers with mature writing skills, and students who write frequently in personal journals or blogs. Winners probably submit polished, well-edited work that demonstrates sophisticated understanding of narrative structure.

Publishing in a respected literary magazine like One Story carries moderate-to-significant weight in college admissions for English/creative writing programs. It demonstrates: original talent, ability to work with professional editors, publication credits, and serious commitment to writing. Most valuable for: selective colleges, universities with strong creative writing programs, and applications where writing/arts are emphasized. Admissions officers view published teen writers as demonstrating maturity and accomplishment beyond typical high school work. This is particularly impressive for applicants interested in English, journalism, creative writing, communications, or liberal arts programs.

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