Opportunities for Teen Writers and Artists!
By Elaine Jinto
Magazines & Youth-Led Publications
The Trailblazer Literary Magazine
An international high school publication dedicated to supporting emerging and aspiring writers worldwide. It accepts submissions of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art from students under 18 years old.
Link: thetrailblazerreview.com
The Blue Bell Review
An international magazine for and by youth students aged 6–16, based anywhere in the world. Accepting writing, art, and multimedia for quarterly issues and a blog. They also host contests and provide opportunities for teens to join in as volunteers or editors.
Link: thebluebellreview.info
Phosphorescent Lit
Phosphorescent Lit is a new online literary magazine that aims to illuminate and bridge the gap between the mundane and the surreal, fact and fiction, hidden and exposed realities. They publish art, writing, and other creative media.
Link: phosphorescentlit.com
Bookosmia
India’s publisher for kids, by kids. Publishes stories, books, podcasts, and blogs by young people.
Link: bookosmia.com
Marmalade Lit
Marmalade Lit was founded in 2025 by two writers looking to read works from global youth voices they wouldn’t traditionally be exposed to. Marmalade Lit’s goal is to amplify your ideas, creativity, and output.
Link: marmaladelit.com
Blue Marble Review
Blue Marble Review is a quarterly online literary journal showcasing the creative work of young writers ages 13–22. They publish poetry, fiction, personal essays, travel stories, and opinion pieces as well as art and photography.
Link: bluemarblereview.com
Beyond the Lines: International Book Newsletter
Beyond the Lines is a growing international newsletter dedicated to books, creativity, storytelling, and young readers from around the world. They accept book reviews, fan fiction, opinion pieces, and book-inspired artwork.
Link: thebluebellreview.info/beyond-the-lines
Skipping Stones
Publishes writing, art, photos, letters, etc. Celebrates ecological and cultural diversity. Accepting submissions from children and youth aged 7 to 18 globally.
Link: skippingstones.org
STEM Chronicles
From climate science to quantum breakthroughs, from Nobel Prizes to student innovations, STEM Chronicles brings the world of cutting-edge R&D into high school conversations. It is a mentorship initiative within the STEMonsters Education programs. Every edition is researched, written, and edited by high school students. They also accept external contributions.
Link: stemonsters.com/newsletter/
Cornerstone (The Louisville Review)
Short Stories and Poetry from students in grades K–12. This is a special section dedicated to young writers within a very high-quality adult literary journal.
Link: louisvillereview.org/submissions
Polyphony Lit
They accept poetry, prose, and cover art. Known for its student-run editorial board and providing in-depth feedback and mentorship to high school writers.
Link: polyphonylit.org
The Adroit Journal
A prestigious, highly-selective magazine that also features young writers. Opportunities include The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose which are awarded annually to two students of secondary or undergraduate status.
Link: theadroitjournal.org
Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things
One of the foundational goals of Ember is to foster the next generation of great writers by providing them with excellent reading material now. They believe that people who learn to love reading at an early age are more likely to seek knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math. That is why they accept contributions from writers above ten years of age.
Link: emberjournal.org
The Alpine Path
The inspiration for The Alpine Path comes from L. M. Montgomery’s Emily of New Moon, where she quotes a poem that encapsulates the journey a writer must take. They accept poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, artwork, and photography from individuals who are 18 years old or younger.
Link: commonsensepress.com/the-alpine-path/
In the Margins
Managed by the Society of Young Inklings, In the Margins is a space for the fragments, footnotes, almost-erased lines, side stories, and creative work that lives just outside the center. They accept work from individuals below 18.
Link: younginklings.org/in-the-margins-001/
The Weight Journal
This is a venue for high school students who may find themselves in need of a creative outlet. Among other things they accept poetry, fiction, and hybrid pieces.
Link: www.theweightjournal.com
The Teen Mag
An online space where teens can express their voices on topics that matter to them—whether it’s style, entertainment, politics, wellness, or academics.
Link: www.theteenmagazine.com
Crashtest
Crashtest is a biannual online magazine founded and run by the creative writing students at the Fine Arts Center, a public arts high school in Greenville, South Carolina. They accept poetry, stories, and creative non-fiction in the form of personal essays, imaginative investigation, experimental interviews, and ephemera.
Link: www.crashtestmag.com
The Bokeh Review
The Bokeh Review is an international quarterly magazine dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized and underserved communities through art and writing. They also accept work from youth.
Link: www.thebokehreview.org
Communities
Write the World
An online writing platform and community for teenagers (ages 13–19) from around the globe. They offer free monthly competitions in various genres (like poetry, fantasy, op-ed, etc.), provide writing prompts, and facilitate a peer-review environment where teens can receive and give feedback on their work.
Link: writetheworld.org
Society of Young Inklings
They have multiple spaces for collaborative writing including the Writer’s Room, a platform for teen writers to connect, and the Inkwell, to post your work and gain feedback on it. They also have a space called the Inkwell Collaboratory, an app that includes Story Relays, Brainstorm Boards, and Character Swaps. They also host many events like the Write-A-Thon to promote collaborative writing.
Link: www.younginklings.org
The Teen Writers’ Nest
Managed by Tessa Emily Osborn, it is a free online creative writing community for teen writers ages 13–19. It is a place to connect with other teen writers, share your work, and learn more about publishing opportunities.
Link: tessaemilyosborn.com/online-creative-writing-community-for-teens
Young Poets’ Network
It’s an amazing community meant entirely for young poets. Managed by The Poetry Society, it has regular contests and an extensive directory of writing opportunities, writing groups, clubs, and more.
Link: ypn.poetrysociety.org.uk
Contests
Foyle Young Poets Award
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is one of the biggest and most prestigious poetry competitions for 11–17 year olds in the world. Every year, 15 top winners and 85 commended poets are chosen; together, they represent some of the most exciting new voices writing today.
Link: poetrysociety.org.uk/competitions/foyle-young-poets-of-the-year-award/
GetLitt Spoken Poetry and Story Fest
An annual contest where children perform a story or poem they have written.
Link: getlitt.co/challenges
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Run by the Alliance for Young Writers & Artists, it provides a chance for young artists and writers to win scholarships, recognition, and have their work published or exhibited.
Link: www.artandwriting.org
2027 Blue Planet Awareness Contest
The 2027 Blue Planet Awareness Contest – Nature of Truth – challenges individuals to think critically about both natural and digital landscapes through the lens of environmental disinformation. Art, writing, performance, film, and multimedia submissions are accepted.
Link: bowseat.org
Other Opportunities
These are just some of the countless opportunities out there for young writers and artists. You can find more on platforms like New Pages and the Young Poets Network directory. Consistently submitting your work, participating in contests, and connecting with other creative individuals of your age will enable you to gain experience at a young age.
