The Beyond the Book Press is launching a middle school writing contest for grades sixth through eighth grade starting Monday, March 16, with work able to be submitted from Sept. 1-30. 

The contest is open to middle schoolers in the Homewood-Flossmoor area, home schooled students and others in the area within the grade requirements. 

The four categories of stories students can submit include short stories of any genre with 500- to 1,500-word count, one original poem, illustrations in any medium with a 50- to 100-word artist statement, and illustrated stories consisting of a short story with a  500- to 1,000-word count or a poem with one to three original illustrations. 

The contest is in collaboration with the Homewood Public Library, the Flossmoor Public Library, Matteson Public Library and workers from the Marion Catholic high school library who will also help with judging. 

Judges will also include resident and authors and editors Dave and Sally Larsen who came up with the contest with Beyond the Book owner Tenia Davis 

The timeline for the contest consists of the launch on the March 16, the submission period during September, the judging period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 5, and the award ceremony Dec. 18.

Awards will include the first-place award of a trophy with a $100 gift card to Beyond the Book, second place will be a trophy with a $50 gift card, third place will be a trophy with a $25 gift card, the honorable mention will be a certificate and recognition during the ceremony.

All finalist will receive the opportunity for publication in the Beyond the Book Press Anthology. 

The award ceremony will take place at the Homewood Science Center. 

Submissions can be sent by email to [email protected] or by dropping off physical copies to the bookstore and parental permission will be required to join the contest. 

Davis said she is deeply passionate about helping the next generation of writers and creating a space while developing initiatives to support local schools. 

“I’ve seen a lot of kids come in, ask about stories, want to write stories, and I want to be able to support that,” Davis said. 

The bookstore has been sending information and flyers to schools and promoting the through social media for students and parents to be on the lookout.