Essay Contest Rules & Guidelines

NSL READS presents: MAKE YOUR OWN MAGIC

PICK AN EVERYDAY OBJECT, MAKE IT MAGIC, AND TELL US WHAT HAPPENS!

Entries Due: February 26, 2026

Winners announced at the Author Night: March 5, 2026

ESSAY CATEGORIES: There are three categories based on the author’s age on at the time of the contest deadline. Adults are not permitted to assist young adults or children with their submissions.

  • Adult (18 years or older)
  • Young Adult (12-to-17 years)
  • Child (11 years or younger)

PRIZES: Three prizes will be awarded in each age category*:

  • 1st ($50 gift care to Barnes & Noble)
  • 2nd ($25 gift care to Barnes & Noble)
  • 3rd ($10 gift care to Barnes & Noble)

*Prizes listed are based on previous years and are subject to change.


NSL Reads 2026 short story Contest

SUBMISSION SPECIFICATIONS:

CONTACT INFORMATION: Include a cover page with your submission containing your name and age category, the title of your submission, the word count, and your contact information (mailing address, telephone number, and email address). Put the title and page number on each page of your submission. Do not put your name on your submission. Manuscripts will not be returned.

WORD COUNT: Adult submissions may contain up to 3,000 words, young adult submissions up to 2,000 words, and child submissions up to 500 words.

FORMAT: All submissions should use 12 pt. font and be double spaced, except that child submissions may be handwritten. If submissions are emailed, they must be saved as a Word document or a PDF file.

DEADLINE: The deadline is _February 26, 2026_.  Submissions may be emailed to parksandarts@NSLCITY.GOV or hand-delivered/mailed to:

NSL Reads Annual Writing Competition

10 E Center Street

North Salt Lake, UT 84054

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS: Winners will be announced at the NSL Reads Author Night on March 5, a free, family event scheduled each year at CITY HALL. Participants are encouraged to invite their family and friends. 

For more info, email parksandarts@nslcity.gov

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