Tempe Public Library kicks off Writing & Cover Design Contest
Tenth annual contest spotlights theme of Celebration

Aspiring writers and artists are invited to show off their talents in the 2024 Tempe Writing Contest. Writers can submit original work for a chance to be published in this year’s Tempe Writes: An Anthology. Artists are also invited to submit original designs for the Cover Design Contest.

Submissions will be accepted Jan. 8 through Feb. 20. There are three writing genres from which to choose: fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction like memoirs or essays. Writers can enter one of three categories: high school student, college student or adult. Artists can see specs for the book cover by clicking here. The contest is open to all Tempe residents, Tempe Public Library cardholders, Phoenix-area residents, high school students and college students.

Writers can prepare their submissions using free resources from the Tempe Public Library, such as personal consultations with the library’s writer-in-residence, writing workshops, and the Pen to Paper: Resources for Writers newsletter. Artists and writers can submit their work at tempepubliclibrary.gov/WritingContest Jan. 8 through Feb. 20.

All work entered must use the designated theme of “Celebration” to qualify. In our busy lives, at times we take note of a chosen occasion to commemorate, honor, observe and recognize. How do we honor our triumphs, our losses, our memories and our accomplishments?

Entries are judged by members of ASU’s creative writing community. Contest winners will be published in Tempe Writes: An Anthology v. 10 and receive a cash prize. This contest is a collaboration between Tempe Public Library, ASU and Friends of the Tempe Public Library.

For all submission guidelines and more information, visit tempepubliclibrary.gov/WritingContest.

Learn more