Young writers…it’s go time! Announcing our annual 350 for 50 writing contest, where writers ages 9-16 are challenged to write a 350-word story that includes the sentence “Immediately, it was upside down.” (just 345 words left to go)! Winning stories will be illustrated and published on our blog for all to see. Additionally, winning authors will enjoy an online $50 literary shopping spree on Amazon!

Contest submissions are due by 3:00 pm ET on Monday, March 23, 2026.

This contest is a celebration of writing and personal voice. Your wonderful imagination and efforts should be treasured and applauded. Therefore, we will not accept entries in which AI is used in any way, shape, or form. By entering 350 for 50, you acknowledge the story you have submitted is yours and yours alone. Thank you!

350 for 50 Contest Submission Requirements

• Stories can be no longer than 350 words, and MUST include the sentence, “Immediately, it was upside down.”
• The sentence MUST stand alone in the story (not be a part of another sentence).
• Submissions are accepted in e-mail text fields ONLY. No pdf attachments or Google file shares.
• One submission per author, please. E-mail to: cotsenevents@princeton.edu
• The following MUST be included with your submission: Your name and age (as of March 23, 2026).
• No submissions in verse or comic book format.

One winner will be selected from each of our four age categories (ages 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16). Your name, age, and story title are not included in the 350-word count. The Amazon literary shopping spree is limited to books and writing materials.

Winners will be notified via e-mail on Friday, March 27 and posted on this page. Good luck!