Are you ready for it? Yes! It’s time for the Cotsen Children’s Library’s annual 350 for 50 contest! We challenge you to write a short, 350-word tale that includes the sentence, “Every movement was in slow motion.” (just 344 words left to go!) Winning stories will be illustrated and published here on Pop Goes the Page. Additionally, winning authors will enjoy an online $50 literary shopping spree!

Open to ages 9-16.
Contest submissions are due by 3:00 pm ET on Friday, April 12, 2024.

350 for 50 Contest Submission Requirements

• Stories must be no longer than 350 words, and MUST include the sentence, “Every movement was in slow motion.”
• The sentence MUST stand alone in the story (not be a part of another sentence).
• Submissions are accepted in e-mail text fields ONLY please. Attachments or files shares will NOT be accepted. No Google docs!
• One submission per author, please. E-mail to: cotsenevents@princeton.edu
• One winner will be selected from each of our four age categories (ages 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16).
• The following MUST be included with your submission: Your name and age (as of April 12, 2024).
• Your name, information, and story title are not included in the 350 word count.
• No submissions in verse or in graphic novel format, please.
• Literary shopping spree is limited to books and writing materials.
• Winners will be notified via e-mail on April 26, 2024 and posted on this page.
• Questions? Email: danas@princeton.edu