The Teen Writers Anthology is an annual publication that allows local teens to get their poems or short stories published. This year we are doing something a little different! We have a theme for the collection, "The Masks We Wear". Teens can write freestyle, if they do not want to write for the theme.

Theme ideas could include the figurative masks we wear to fit in, to survive, to seem "normal," or to only show one side of us. Your submission could have literal masks like the masks we wore during the pandemic or during Halloween or masquerades. Maybe you are a theater kid and must wear a mask for a production! Perhaps you want your character to be a ninja or a doctor. Create a story and tell us about it.

We will be accepting submissions from November 1-30. Please proofread your poem/short story and verify that your contact information is correct BEFORE submitting. Once the poem/short story is submitted to us, we cannot return it or make changes on your behalf. Writing submitted without following the submission and formatting rules will not be considered.

Anthology Rules

1. Submissions must be original work written solely by the writer.
2. Writers must be in grades 6-12. Please keep the content appropriate for readers in grades 6 and up. No profanity or explicit violence.
3. Teens can submit up to 3 pieces of writing - poems and/or short stories only.
4. Maximum word count for short stories is 1,500.
5. Submissions MUST be sent via email to fplyouthwriters@friscotexas.gov, following the formatting rules below.
6. Submissions must be emailed by 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2026.
7. Writers must be able to pick up their anthologies in person. We will not mail or email the anthology out.
8. If you do not confirm you want a copy of the anthology by the deadline stated in the email, we will not print a copy for you. If you miss the deadline for pickup, you will forfeit your copy.

Formatting Rules 

1. Each piece must be submitted with the following information at the top of the document: First and Last Name, Title, and Grade.
2. Entries should be saved as a Microsoft Word document or a Google doc. Please do not submit PDF files.
3. Files need to be saved as: Last Name, First Name (Poetry or Short Story), Submission Title
   • Do not include symbols such as #, $, <, *, \, :, and @ in your title.
   • Ex: Hall, Elizabeth (Poetry), My Friend Koya
4. Formatting: 1.5 line spacing, Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt font

When you are ready to send your work, please email your submissions as attachments to fplyouthwriters@friscotexas.gov. No bulk submissions - meaning do not combine all your writing into one document. Attach each story/poem as a separate document in one email then send. Work will not be altered except when necessary to format for the creation of the book.