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Header image by Joanne Cai, 13
By Stone Soup Editors
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The date says 2022? Is this old or did you mean 2023?
Hi Joy,
We meant 2023; thank you for catching that typo!
This is so exciting, ive always wanted to publish my book, better get editing!
I have a novel that has the first draft finished and is being edited that I wrote with a friend (she is thirteen, I am fourteen). Her sister, who is eighteen, is helping edit. Is it still valid?
Hi Sol,
All submissions should be written entirely by those under the age of 14. There are some cases wherein it’s okay for a 14-year-old to submit, namely when all the writing of the book has taken place prior to the author turning 14. But outside editing help from those 14 or over is also disallowed.
Is there a specific font we have to use or size since i like using different fonts?
Also can I work with a friend on my novel?
Hi Nyla,
You should stick to one of the main serif fonts (Times New Roman or Garamond, for example), though the occasional use of a different font for stylistic purposes is fine.
And yes, you can work with a friend but you must both be 14 or younger.
Hi, can I submit art to go along with my book? I am sorry if this question has already been answered. Also, is there a maximum for word/page count? I don’t want to overdo it. Thanks!
Hi Ivy,
Yes you can absolutely submit art to be included in your book. And I don’t think there’s a strict maximum word or page count; just write it however long it needs to be in order to get the story out.
Is there a specific size our writing needs to be? For example does 11pt work?
Hi Ava,
12 pt font is the standard.
When writing my novel the directions state that I should have at least fifty pages. What size is the page itself that the novel should be typed on?
Hi Ava,
Standard printer paper will do! That’s 8 1/2 by 11 inches.
Can my parent edit my work or do I the writer edit all my own work?
Hi Ava,
We ask that you or a friend also 14 or younger do the preliminary editing. Then, if your book is selected, our editor will work closely with you to edit the work.
Hi, how do you find the contest titles for June 2023?
Hi Elaine,
Can you please elaborate? I’m not sure what you’re asking.
Would it be ok if I put my book on my parents email to send to the contest because I am worried that I might lose on my email account? Or is there something else I can do?
Hi Ava,
Yes, you can use your parents email to submit your book, just make sure you specify that you are the author.
Hi, I checked your FAQ page and didn’t find out whether or not we are supposed to number our pages. Is there a rule for that? Thanks for your concern.
I am fourteen, and all the writing for my book has taken place after my fourteenth birthday, but I won’t turn fifteen until after the deadline. Can I still enter?
Hi Isabella,
Yes, you may still enter as long as the book was written while you were 14.
How would you like me to specify that it is me?
Hi Ava,
I’m not sure what you mean. Do you mean how to authenticate your identity? All that is asked is that you submit a manuscript through your submittable account with your age, name, and photo.
Ok thank, you! I should’ve clarified what I meant.
Do you accept fanfictions?
Hi Katelynn,
We prefer to publish completely original work for the contest.
Hello,
I want to include artwork with every chapter/chapter banners. I may not have time to do this artwork before the deadline and I am wondering if I could first submit the writing and work out the artwork with the Stone Soup team after the deadline if I win?
Hi Thad,
This is a very interesting question. I think yes, focus first and foremost on the writing.
if i was 13 when i wrote my book but i’ll be 15 next year will i be able to submit?
Hi Lilli,
I’m honestly unsure. I think you could submit it and just make sure to write in the fact that it was written when you were 13, but no promises.
When does the next contest start? For 2023?
Also I’m writing a book with two other friends who are under 14 how exactly would we submit a book? Do we all submit it, or do we just have one person’s parent submit it?
So sorry for the late response! I completely missed this message. We usually begin accepting submissions in the spring (usually March). And you can just submit the book once and include all of your names in that submission.
Hello, I participated in this year’s contest. When exactly will the results be posted?
The results should be posted by mid November!
Hi,
is there an annual book contest for 2024?
Yes, the book contest will open on April 15th!
I am thirteen and writing a story with YA themes. Can it still be submitted here?
Yes! That can definitely be submitted to the contest.
Hi Isla,
I just wanted to follow up on this. Submissions actually should not be intended for an older/YA audience, so depending on your story, this might not be the best place for it. So sorry for the miscommunication!
Just checking, something with YA themes and occasional swearing can still be submitted to this contest, right?
Hi Isla,
Submissions actually should not be intended for an older/YA audience, so this is probably not the best place to submit your story. So sorry for the miscommunication!
Hey! Just wanted to know what KIND of stories you are looking for, for the annual book contests.
Also I have an idea which I feel is good, but it is aimed for younger kids… like maybe 9-10 year old. Is that fine?
Hi Elaine! We accept all kinds of stories–fantasy, realistic fiction, sci-fi, etc. However, we don’t accept submissions intended for a YA/adult audience, so that’s perfect!
Got it. Thanks!
Hi, just wanted to ask, if I am submitting a poetry collection, and it contains some sensitive topics that might be triggering, am I allowed to submit it?
Hi Paisley, because Stone Soup is designed for kids under 14 we don’t publish work with mature themes.
Hi, I haven’t been able to find the book contest page for 2024— is there going to be one this year? Thanks!
Unfortunately, we will not be holding the book contest this year, but it should be back up and running next year!
If I am 14 this year, can I still submit my book next year (when I am 15) just as long as I wrote it while I was 14?
Hi,
Do you still have the Annual Book Contest this year (2025)? If so, when will the information be released? Thanks!
Hi, Any details on a 2025 Annual Book Contest?
I have paused the contest this year. I will bring it back in 2026 when I have more staff support.