Emerald Coast Writers (ECW) has published the voices of regional writers in poetry collections, chapbooks, books and anthologies for more than 35 years. Located in Pensacola, Florida, with offices in the Pensacola Cultural Center, ECW is a 501 (c) 3 Not for Profit, all-volunteer organization. ECW biennially publishes Emerald Coast Review, a regional anthology, and sponsors poetry, student poetry and creative nonfiction contests throughout the year. In addition, they offer workshops with guest authors and poets, critique groups, webinars and open mics. The membership includes Floridians as well as writers living as far away as North Carolina and Kentucky. Formerly known as West Florida Literary Federation, in 2022 ECW changed its organizational name.
Deadline Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 11:59 PM! Submission Guidelines:
The contest is open to all students in grades K-12 who reside in Escambia (FL and AL), Santa Rosa, Bay, Okaloosa, Walton, Baldwin, and Mobile Counties. Students may submit their own original unpublished work in 1-4 of the following genres (must be individual work, NOT collaborative):
-Poetry
-Fiction
-Nonfiction
-Visual Art
The theme for this year is: "Once Upon a Time." Entries MUST utilize this theme in some way in their piece(s). There will be a section in the entry form to explain how the entry expresses the theme. If this is not included or is not clear and obvious in the piece as well, the piece will NOT be selected as a winner no matter the quality.
First, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions in each category/grade level group will be notified in April and invited to a ceremony where their art pieces will be displayed and written work read aloud as desired at the West Florida Public Library in downtown, Pensacola on May 16th. Winners will receive gift cards for up to $50, as well as a copy of an anthology featuring their winning entry. Extra books will be available for purchase through Amazon.
Students' identities are concealed from the judges. Do NOT place your name on the entry document(s). Other personal information, including teacher's name, and school's name, MUST be removed from submitted works. Submission file names should include grade, genre, and title. For example: 8thgrade-Fiction-A Time Forgotten.
Up to four entries per student (ONE entry per category - up to 3 poems/up to 3 pieces of art per entry). Students can only win in ONE category.
Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 PM, April 1st, 2026. All submissions must be in electronic format and uploaded to the appropriate category/categories at Emerald Coast Writers' Submittable page for the Youth Writing and Art Contest.
Poetry Guidelines
Up to 3 poems, not exceeding 3 pages
Place the title(s) at the top of your poem(s). Format each poem as you would like it to appear in final publication. Type double-spaced using black 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Do NOT number pages or include poet’s name.Electronic submissions must be sent as .doc, docx. or .rtf format. PDF files are NOT accepted.
Fiction and Nonfiction Guidelines
Up to 1,200 words. Place the title at the top of the first page Type double-spaced using black 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Do NOT number pages or include author’s name. Electronic submissions must be sent as .doc, docx. or .rtf format. PDF files are not accepted.
Visual Art guidelines
Up to 3 images. Accepted Mediums: digital photography and digital photographs of original works as oil, acrylic, watercolor, collage, mixed media, etchings, silk screen, lithographs, etc. Color and black and white images are accepted, however most images will be formatted in grayscale. If your submission is in color, you may be asked to convert it to black and white to ensure quality of reproduction. Present graphic elements exactly as they should appear on printed page. Each image must have a high resolution of at least 300 dpi. Electronic submissions must be sent as .jpeg, .png or .tif format. PDF files are NOT accepted. Include a title of each image in the filename, not on the image. Do not use your name or image numbers in the title. Give the image a unique, descriptive name like a piece of art, such as "OnceUponTheFuture."
Judging criteria is as follows:
The work is original, a product of the writer's own experience and observations, NOT generated in whole or in part by AI.
The work uses vivid, sensory language and imagery.
The work uses correct grammar and spelling.
The work adheres to this year's theme.
The work has an overall effectiveness and impact.
Deadline Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 11:59 PM!
The contest is open to all poets ages 13-19 who reside in Escambia (FL), Santa Rosa, Bay, Okaloosa and Walton counties. Students will submit their own original work. Use of AI is prohibited.
Finalists will be notified after April 10th and scheduled for a short virtual interview with our panel of judges. The chosen poet and up to two "ambassadors" will be invited to a ceremony at the Pensacola Museum of Art in downtown Pensacola on Sunday, May 3rd at 5:00 PM. Winners will receive prizes and read their work at the ceremony.
Poetry Portfolio Guidelines
Submit poetry that best represents you. Consider choosing poems written about/in a variety of themes/topics/styles/forms. Poems may rhyme, but do not have to.
5 poems, not exceeding 10 pages
Place a title and your name centered at the top of each poem. Type double-spaced using black 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Electronic submissions must be sent as .doc, docx. or .rtf format.
Title submission file as follows: FirstAndLastName_YPL_Porfolio
Example: CharlineBarger_YPL_Portoflio
Resume Guidelines
Share any pertinent personal background information (must include: full name, home address with county, your personal email if available, parent or guardian's email if under 18, your phone number if available, parent/guardian's phone if under 18), education, work experience, community service, internships, skills, leadership roles, extracurricular activities, publications, awards/honors, etc. You may include a headshot if you like. Type using black 12 pt. Times New Roman font and double-spacing, 1-3 pages.
Title submission files as follows: FirstAndLastName_YPL_Resume
Example: CharlineBarger_YPL_Resume
Poem Recitation Recording
Submit a video recording no longer than 3 minutes of you reading one or two of the original poems from your portfolio. This may be a simple video taken with a phone. Electronic submissions must be sent as .mp4, .mov, .mpg, or .wmv format.
Title submission files as follows: FirstAndLastName_YPL_Video
Example: CharlineBarger_YPL_Recording
Judging criteria is as follows:
The work is original, a product of the writer's own experience and observations, NOT generated in whole or in part by AI.
Poetry Portfolio
-Portfolio has significant and diverse content/themes (emotional, intellectual, philosophical)
-All or most poetry effectively uses original figurative language, connotations, denotations, and voice
-All or most poetry uses line breaks, enjambment (continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line/stanza), caesurae (dramatic pause or break within a line)
-Any rhetorical techniques effectively reinforce structure of the poetry
Resume
-Resume demonstrates local, regional, and/or national awards, service, leadership experience, and skill development in community, school, or national civic engagement activities
Recording
-Reading demonstrates clear pacing, articulation, and volume appropriate for an audience
-Delivery reflects an understanding of the poem’s tone, meaning, and emotional impact
-Reading shows comfort and engagement when presenting original work aloud
-Poet demonstrates a willingness and readiness to share their work in a public setting