The One Teen Story contest invites writers aged 13-19 from anywhere in the world to submit original, unpublished short fiction in English, with no entry fee and $500 paid to each winner upon publication. Submissions close on 01 December 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we read the full contest guidelines so that the age rules, word limits, prize and AI policy are clear before you submit.
This Is Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Programme
The One Teen Story contest is run by One Story, a literary nonprofit based in the United States. It is a writing contest and is not part of the Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes. It involves no travel, and everything happens online through a submission manager.
The Contest at a Glance
🏢 Organiser: One Story
✍️ What you submit: Original, unpublished short fiction about the teen experience
🎂 Age: 13-19 as of 01 December 2026
📏 Length: 2,000 to 4,500 words
🗣️ Language: English
💻 How: Online submission manager
🆓 Entry fee: None
💵 Prize: $500 on publication for winning stories
📣 Results: Winners announced in spring 2027
What the Contest Is Looking For
One Teen Story publishes 3 stories a year and accepts submissions from teen writers aged 13-19. The contest asks writers to enter original, unpublished fiction: great short stories of any genre about the teen experience, whether literary, fantasy, sci-fi, love stories or horror.
According to the organisers, a great short story has interesting teen characters, strong writing, and a beginning, middle and end. Stories should have teens as their main characters. A list of previously published writers is available on the One Teen Story past issues page.
Prize: Publication, $500 and an Editor
🌐 Winning stories are published on the One Story website
💵 Winners receive $500 upon publication, paid for first North American serial rights
🔁 All rights revert to the author following publication
🧑🏫 Winners have the opportunity to work with a One Teen Story editor before publication
🏅 Honorable mentions are chosen in three age categories: 13-15, 16-17 and 18-19
📢 Honorable mentions are announced on the website, by email announcement and on social media
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Who Can Enter
To enter, you must be between the ages of 13 and 19 as of 01 December 2026. International submissions are accepted: One Teen Story answers "Yes" when asked whether it considers submissions from outside the United States.
Only one submission per person is allowed. Proof of age must be provided by all winners and finalists.
Story Rules You Must Follow
📝 The story must be between 2,000 and 4,500 words
🆕 It must be your own original, previously unpublished work
🚫 Previously published stories and stories forthcoming at other publications cannot be considered, including stories self-published on personal websites, blogs, school publications or other platforms
🧒 The main characters must be teens and the story must be about the teen experience
🎬 The work must not be borrowed from anyone else's work, including film, video and online content
💡 The characters and situations must be of your own invention
The Strict Rule on AI
By submitting, you confirm that your story was not created with any assistance from AI tools or software. One Teen Story does not accept work created with the help of AI at any stage, including generating ideas and drafts, and AI-assisted revision.
Translations and Simultaneous Submissions
Stories translated from other languages are considered. However, all manuscripts must be in English when submitted and must not have appeared online in any form or language. If you submit a translation, the organisers will ask to see a copy of the original text.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted. If your story is accepted for publication elsewhere, withdraw your submission immediately.
File Format and Manuscript Layout
📎 Accepted file types: DOC, DOCX, PDF and RTF
🧾 Put the story title and all writer contact information on the first page of the file
↕️ Double-space your submission
🔢 Include page numbers
Parental Consent for Writers Under 18
A parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form allowing One Teen Story to publish the names of winners and honorable mentions who are under 18 on its website and social media platforms. One Teen Story reserves the right to approve all final, edited content.
How to Submit Step by Step
1️⃣ Go to the One Teen Story online submission manager
2️⃣ Select One Teen Story Contest
3️⃣ Choose your age group: 13-15, 16-17 or 18-19
4️⃣ Check your confirmation email, which arrives when you submit
The submission manager is also where you can view the status of your submission or withdraw it.
Notes for Teachers
Teachers can use the contest for a class project. All One Teen Story issues published in 2025 and later are available on the One Story website, and teachers are welcome to use them. The magazine no longer publishes a print edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to enter the One Teen Story contest?
No. No entry fee is required.
Does One Teen Story pay its winners?
Yes. Winning stories receive $500 upon publication, for first North American serial rights. All rights revert to the author after publication.
Can I enter from outside the United States?
Yes. International submissions are accepted, provided you are between 13 and 19 as of 01 December 2026 and your story is written in English.
Can I use AI to help with my story?
No. Work created with the help of AI at any stage is not accepted, including idea generation, drafts and AI-assisted revision.
Can I submit a story that is published on my blog?
No. Stories self-published online, including on personal websites, blogs and school publications, cannot be considered.
When are the winners announced?
Winners are announced in spring 2027, and all contestants are notified of the results. You can find more opportunities like this in our Others section on Youth Works Hub.
Deadline
⏳ 01 December 2026
Links
🔗 Contest page and submission: https://one-story.com/write/one-teen-story-contest/
📧 Contest questions: otscontest@one-story.com
