Sunshine State Book Festival announces statewide teen lit contest

The Writers Alliance of Gainesville announces the annual Teen Lit Contest, part of the 2026 Sunshine State Book Festival, offering Florida students the opportunity to showcase their creative writing talent and be publicly recognized for their achievements.

The contest welcomes submissions from any middle or high school student in the state of Florida who has a passion for creative writing, storytelling, and self-expression. Students must use the prompt PIRATES. The theme leaves plenty of room for interpretation. They may write from the pirate's perspective, that of the victim, pirates in outer space, or whatever they choose.

Finalists and winners will be honored at the Sunshine State Book Festival on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Santa Fe College in Gainesville. Winning pieces will be featured during the Teen Lit Awards Ceremony. Winners will receive certificates from the Writers Alliance of Gainesville, scholarships provided by Steve Spurrier’s HBC Foundation, and gift cards from the Lynx Bookstore.

This initiative is funded by the HBC Foundation, supporting young writers and encouraging youth literacy across Florida.

How to Enter

Step 1: Follow the guidelines outlined on the Sunshine State Book Festival webpage.

Step 2: Submit a Word document, print in the body of an email, or submit a Google Doc with editing privileges to: TeenLit@sunshinestatebookfestival.com

Deadline for submissions: Dec. 19, 2025

All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST.

Works will be reviewed by a panel of authors and literary professionals from the Writers Alliance of Gainesville and community. Submissions are judged on creativity, clarity, originality, and literary expression focusing on the stated theme.

About the Sunshine State Book Festival

The Sunshine State Book Festival is a two-day literary event bringing together more than 100 authors, families, educators, and readers of all ages. The festival includes a ticketed Writers Conference on January 23, 2026, and a free community book festival on January 24, 2026, at Santa Fe College, featuring author meet-and-greets, children’s story activities, book signings, and the Teen Lit Awards. Presented by the Writers Alliance of Gainesville, the festival is funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, with special sponsorship from the HBC Foundation for the Teen Lit Contest.