PHILADELPHIA, PA — Storyshares is set to spark creativity and inspire literacy with the launch of its 7th annual Story of the Year Contest, running until January 13, 2025. This event invites writers from around the globe to submit their work for the chance to win a share of over $15,000 in cash prizes. The contest is free and open to all, promising publication opportunities for entries that align with Storyshares’ unique guidelines. Winners will be revealed on April 7, 2025.
This year’s contest introduces five categories: “Immersive Decodables,” “Captivating Characters,” “Global Change-Makers,” “For Teens By Teens,” and a new category in collaboration with ReadWorks®, where young authors can craft alternate endings for the “Hacked!” series. Each category offers distinct challenges and rewards, aimed not only at engaging writers but also at enriching the reading experience for striving readers worldwide.
Founder and CEO Louise Baigelman articulated the contest’s mission, emphasizing its role in expanding the availability of “just right” books for the estimated 774 million struggling readers globally. Baigelman highlighted that the contest is about more than just winning prizes. It aims to foster a movement that brings together authors and readers to tackle the global literacy challenge.
The roots of Storyshares trace back to Baigelman’s experiences as a middle school teacher, where she identified a gap between students’ reading levels and their interests. In response, the first Storyshares contest was launched in 2013, aiming to generate engaging and culturally relevant literature for older struggling readers. Over the years, the contest has engaged over 4,000 authors from 180 countries, leading to the publication of more than 600 titles.
The impact of this initiative is substantial, with Storyshares’ books reaching over a million readers worldwide. The contest continues to connect writers with an eager audience, fostering a supportive community where authors and readers mutually benefit from the exchange of creative content.
In addition to the prize money, winners will see their works published in both digital and print formats, with the potential for translation into other languages, further extending their reach and influence.
The contest categories are designed to appeal to a diverse range of writers and themes. The “Immersive Decodables” category offers a $5,000 prize split between two subcategories, challenging authors to create stories with a focus on phonics and high-frequency words. “Captivating Characters” awards $3,000 for stories with engaging and complex characters. The “Global Change-Maker” category also offers $3,000 for non-fiction tales about influential figures. The “For Teens By Teens” category, with a $2,000 prize, encourages young writers to share their unique perspectives. Finally, the ReadWorks Story Reimagined category offers $2,000 for creative alternate endings to a popular series.
Writers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by creating a free account on the Storyshares website. This contest not only offers a platform for personal expression but also contributes to a greater cause of empowering literacy and supporting striving readers around the world.
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