The 2026 Norfolk Literary Prize is now accepting submissions from writers of all ages across Norfolk County.
The annual contest includes categories for poetry and short stories, with divisions for children, youth, and adults.
The contest opened in February and offers a lengthy submission window, with entries due by July 31st. This extended timeframe is designed to give writers the opportunity to experiment, develop ideas, and complete their work at a pace that suits them.
Belinda Smith, Marketing and Communications Coordinator with the Norfolk County Public Library, says the length of time is meant to inspire writers to get their creative juices flowing and produce something fresh and exciting.
Winners receive cash prizes, have their work published, and are celebrated at an awards ceremony each November.
Smith noted that although only three winners are selected per category, the experience itself is valuable. She highlighted a writer from last year who didn’t make the top three but left feeling inspired and proud of their work.
She is particularly encouraging teens to participate. “If you are already writing a short story or poem for school, and you’re proud of the end result, consider submitting it to the Literary Prize,” Smith says.
Smith also stresses the openness of the Literary Prize. Writers are welcome to explore any genre—whether horror, fantasy, or a personal story grounded in real life.
The contest, originally launched as “Teens Write for Fun” and rebranded as the Norfolk Literary Prize in 2019, was designed to give writers of all ages a platform to share their voices and creativity.
To learn more and submit your work, visit:
https://www.ncpl.ca/play-programs-events/special-events/norfolk-literary-prize/