BBC and Booktrust launch teen story competition

Booktrust and the BBC have launched a short story competition for teenagers.

The ‘BBC Young Writers’ Award with Booktrust’ is for teen writers (aged 14-18) of short stories, on any topic, of up to 1,000 words.

The award is an extension to the BBC National Short Story Award, which the broadcaster also runs in partnership with Booktrust.“I am really thrilled that we are able to extend the remit of the BBC National Short Story Award this year,” said Di Speirs, editor of books at BBC Radio. “Whether writers or readers, or both, I hope the young people who get involved will find that short fiction is stimulating, challenging and entertaining and that this will fire a life-time's love of stories on the page, online and on the air.”

The deadline for entries is 25th February next year and teenagers can enter online on the Booktrust website.

Five shortlisted writers will be invited to attend the exclusive BBC National Short Story Award 2015 ceremony on the 6th October 2015, when the winner of the will be announced live on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row.

The shortlist will have their stories published on the Booktrust and BBC Arts websites and receive a copy of the BBC National Short Story Award 2015 with Booktrust anthology. One overall winner will also receive a series of mentoring sessions with an adult author.

Next year Booktrust will invite schools from across the UK to shadow judge award.