2026 National Arts Competition Application Requirements

Writing – Fiction

Please follow the requirements as closely as possible. Failure to comply with the requirements may make your application ineligible for an award.  

Learn more
Apply now

Application Requirements

  • One (1) piece of writing not to exceed fifteen (15) pages.
  • If it is an excerpt, it should be accompanied by a synopsis of no more than 200 words explaining how it fits into the story as a whole.
  • Combined synopsis and excerpt should not exceed sixteen (16) pages.
  • Submissions must be in English. If words or phrases in another language are used, translations must be included either in parenthesis within the piece or in the footnotes.

NOTE: If you are selected as a winner with distinction and attend National YoungArts Week, you will be part of a published anthology of works and will also perform one of your works live for the panel at the Writers’ Readings. The editor will be making their selections for the anthology from your submissions.

Media Submission Requirements

  • Do not submit research papers, book reports or specific class assignments.
  • Typed, double-spaced, and using only Times or Times New Roman font of 12 pt. size. Please include page numbers. Single-spaced manuscripts should not be submitted.
  • Do not place your name or any awards, publications, etc. anywhere on your submission.
  • Excerpt and synopsis must be saved as separate documents.
  • Proofread your entire submission before uploading. Check for spelling errors.
  • List the title of the work in the space provided.

Intellectual Property and Copyright Requirements

  • All submitted work must be entirely original and must not infringe on the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any other individual or entity.
  • You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.