The 5th annual Write the Hook story writing contest for Teens in grades 6 to 12, is open for entries! Write the hook for a story. A hook is the beginning of a story; written to hook the reader's attention. An irresistible hook impels the reader to want to find out what happens next. We can't wait to read this year's entries!
- Write the hook for the beginning of something longer; for the start of a story.
- Open to teens in grades 6 to 12, who are residents of Essex County in Massachusetts.
- Entry must be your original work. AI and other forms of it will not be tolerated or accepted. We reserve the right to request evidence of original work if we suspect that a submission was made with AI.
- Word count must be between 300(min.) and 1,200(max.) words.
- Maximum of 1 entry per author.
- Give your entry a title.
- Entries due by midnight, Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
- Length: Is the entry between the minimum and maximum word count?
- Story Hook: Does the writing hook you? Do you want to find out what happens next?
- Character(s): Are character(s) clearly described?
- Writing: Does the word choice convey a clear picture?
- Grammar: How is the spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.?
- Creativity!: original ideas? surprising? imaginative?
The preferred method for story submission is via the online contest entry form. Entries are accepted in paper form, but your entry must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font on 8.5"x 11" paper. If you submit your entry on paper you must include on the back of the last page: your first and last name, grade level, phone number, email, and word count. Paper entries that do not follow the above guidelines will be disqualified.
