Calling all writers and creators!

The INC. Project is an annual writing contest for children and teens, in grades 4 to 12. This year's theme is "Out of this World!" From science fiction to magical fantasy, tell us your creative and imaginative stories!

Enter your poetry, short stories, essays and illustrated works for a chance to win a $40 gift card! Winners will have their work featured in the INC. Project Anthology that will be added to the library's collection, and their stories will be featured on the Short Story Dispenser.

The INC. Project is celebrating its 16th anniversary at the Halton Hills Public Library.

The 2024 contest includes the Illustrated Works Category!

Contest information

Dates

  • Submissions accepted May 21 – July 26, 2024

  • Winners announced: September 24, 2024

  • INC. Project Awards Gala: 7:00 p.m. on October 3, 2024

Project categories

Poetry: The Poetry Category is for original works written in verse that are a maximum 40 lines in length. A winner in this category will be selected for each of the following age groups:

  • Grades 4-6
  • Grades 7-8
  • Grades 9-10
  • Grades 11-12

Short Story & Essay: The Short Story & Essay Category is for original short stories and essays that are a maximum of 2000 words in length. A winner in this category will be selected for each of the following age groups:

  • Grades 4-6
  • Grades 7-8
  • Grades 9-10
  • Grades 11-12

Illustrated Works: The Illustrated Works Category is for original comics, graphic novels, and picture books that are under 10 pages in length. Submissions may include a combination of writing and pictures. This category will be judged based on and the story and its connection to the art. A winner in this category will be selected for each of the following age groups:

  • Grades 4-8
  • Grades 9-12

Submission guidelines

Submissions for 2024 INC Project are now closed

  • Entries are accepted May 21 – July 26
  • Writers may submit one piece of writing per category
  • Writers must reside or attend school in Halton Hills
  • Writers may use their own names or pseudonyms
  • By entering the contest, you give us permission to use your name for promotion
  • Entries must be submitted electronically and be typed
  • Entries must be your own original work
  • Entries must be in English
  • Entries may not include any profanity or graphic content

 

Judging

The judges are librarians and community members such as teachers, local authors, and journalists. They do not know the writers' names until after the judging is complete. The judges' decisions are final.

Winners
  • Winners receive a $40 gift card and a copy of the INC. Project Anthology and their stories will be featured on the library's short story dispenser.
  • Winners will be invited to read at the INC. Project Award Gala Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the John Elliott Theatre. All writers are invited to attend.

Our sponsor

The Friends of the Halton Hills Public Library sponsors our INC. Project.

Friends of the Halton Hills Public Library