Publishing Resources for Teen Writers

Are you a young writer who has always dreamed of being published but doesn’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! In this blog post, you’ll find plenty of resources to help you get started with publishing, including resources for vetting publications, understanding submission guidelines and payment for published work, finding community and support and other crucial resources for young writers.

Arapahoe Libraries offers tons of other services for free on the Writers’ Resources page, including free access to Pressbooks to create professional-quality eBooks, distribution service through the Indie Author Project, author events, online learning courses for writers via LinkedIn and so much more!

Submitting for Publication

This section includes resources to help teens navigate the process of submitting their work to literary magazines, journals and contests.

• Submittable, opens a new window – This website is used by thousands of literary publications to sort and receive submission queries. Each publication will specify its own guidelines and requirements for submissions. Some publications require payment of a few dollars to submit to them, but many are free.
• Duotrope, opens a new window – This database contains detailed information about thousands of literary publications, their submission guidelines, publication statistics, payment for writers and more. Vanity presses are excluded from Duotrope.
• Poets & Writers, opens a new window – This is a non-profit organization that publishes a weekly newsletter and monthly magazine containing writing contest information, hiring notices for writers, tips and tricks for literary success and much more.
• The Submission Grinder, opens a new window - Free, no sign-up-required database of magazines and publishers, searchable by genre, audience, payment, geographical region, etc.

Support Circles for Young Writers

These resources offer communities, workshops and programs designed to inspire and guide young writers, providing encouragement, feedback and opportunities to grow as a writer.

• NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program, opens a new window – A fun, supportive space for teens to write a novel in a month, with resources and encouragement to help you reach your goals.
• Iowa Young Writers Resources, opens a new window – This world-renowned writer’s institution offers workshops, writing prompts and advice from experienced writers to help you grow your skills.
• Denver Writing Project’s Young Writers Camp at CU Denver, opens a new window – A local summer camp where teens can explore creative writing in a collaborative and inspiring environment. The program costs $250 with tuition reduction and scholarships available.
• Young Writers Mentorships - Lighthouse Writers Workshop, opens a new window – Provides workshops, classes and mentorship for young writers in the Denver metro area to develop their craft. Program prices vary with scholarships available.
• Young Poets Network, opens a new window – A vibrant online community for young poets to share their work, enter competitions and connect with other writers.
• Teen Writers Project, opens a new window – An organization committed to providing teenagers with equitable writing and publishing opportunities and training them to get hired in the writing industry and beyond.
• Writing in Color, opens a new window – A local writing community program created by and for writers who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx and/or People of Color*.

Publications Seeking Teen Writers

This category highlights magazines and platforms actively looking for work by teens and young adults, giving young writers a chance to see their work in print or online.

• Teen Ink, opens a new window – A website and national teen magazine devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos and forums for over 33 years. They accept submissions of stories, articles, poetry, novels, visual art and video.
• One Teen Story, opens a new window – An outlet that has been publishing one story at a time since 2002. They never publish an author twice, so each story introduces their readers to a new writer.
• The Alcott Youth Magazine, opens a new window – This magazine focuses on accepting female writers from age 13-22 who create short stories, poetry and visual art.
• Blue Marble Review, opens a new window – A quarterly online literary journal showcasing the creative work of young writers ages 13-22. They welcome poetry, fiction, personal essays, travel stories and opinion pieces as well as art and photography.

Other Resources

This section includes a mix of tools, advice and opportunities for young writers. From learning about the realities of author earnings to finding inspiration in rejection letters sent to famous authors, these resources also include organizations which support underrepresented voices.

• Rejection Letters Sent to Famous Writers, opens a new window – Even today’s most successful writers have been told “thanks but no thanks”. This article contains actual rejection letters famous writers have received throughout history.
• How Much Can an Author Expect to Make on Their Book?, opens a new window – An insightful article that breaks down the financial realities of being a published author. Read carefully before signing any written agreements or contracts.
• Yvonne Ventresca’s Resources for Teen and Tween Writers, opens a new window – A collection of interviews with editors who publish teens and young writers, magazines to send your writing, various contests, workshops and classes, plus helpful craft books and blog posts.
• The Young Writer, opens a new window – An organization dedicated to helping young writers change the world with their words. Provides resources to pursue writing as a career, including their Writerscore Assessment.
• NewPages Guide: Publications for Young Writers, opens a new window – This is a resource curated by an educator with a passion for encouraging young writers. All publications are vetted for being reputable and safe for teens. Publications are not able to pay to be included in the list.
• Lambda Literary, opens a new window – For over 30 years, Lambda Literary has championed LGBTQ+ books and authors, offering a wide variety of programs and resources.
• We Need Diverse Books, opens a new window – A non-profit that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.
• Prizes & Opportunities for BIPOC Writers, Editors & Publishers, opens a new window – A growing list of prizes and opportunities for BIPOC* (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) writers, editors and other members of the literary community.