ABOUT THE ROSLYN AND MAX MARGLES YOUNG WRITERS’ CONTEST 

This exciting new writing contest is funded by Roslyn Margles, in honour of her late husband Max Margles, for whom the Children’s Library is named. The Roslyn and Max Margles Young Writers’ Contest is held in partnership with the Quebec Writers’ Federation (QWF). 

 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES  

Who can enter the contest?  

Children in grades 3 to 6. 

When is the contest?  

  • Send us your writing by Friday, March 17, 2025 (New Date).
  • First place, second place, and honourable mention winners for grades 3 to 4 and grades 5 to 6 will be contacted after April 17, 2025.
  • The Awards Ceremony will be held on May 8, 2025. Every writer and their family will be invited and everyone will be recognized for their work. 

What can I write?  

  • One poem or one short story (1 to 5 pages). It can be true or made up. All characters and plots should be your own.  
  • In English or French.
  • Typed or hand-written.
    • Please ensure that:
      • Lettering is clear and easy to read.
      • Writing is dark enough to read (we suggest writing in pen, not pencil).
      • Illustrations (if any) do not block the text.
  • It can be something you have already written that you’re proud of.
  • Graphic novels and illustrated formats will be accepted.
    • Make sure the illustrations don't block the text, and that they are clear and easy to photocopy in black and white.

Can I ask an adult for help? 

The poem or short story needs to be your own work, so no one can rewrite it for you. You may have a teacher, or another trusted adult look over your work, ask you questions, and give you suggestions or guidance.  

We will also offer a writing clinic where you can share your work with a real writer from the Quebec Writers’ Federation, and they will help you develop it.  

How do I submit my writing? 

Please give us your story or poem with this Submission Form. 
There are two ways you can give us your work.  

  1. ONLINE: Fill out this Submission Form and attach your story or poem. 
  2. IN PERSON: Bring your story or poem to the Youth Desk at the Max Margles Children’s Library (5851 Cavendish Blvd, Côte-Saint-Luc). Print out and attach the Submission Form (or ask us for one at the desk). 
     

What Happens Next?  

Well-known children’s authors  P.J. Bracegirdle, Marie-Louise Gay, and Anne Renaud will choose the winning stories or poems based on creativity and style. 

First place, second place, and honourable mention winners for grades 3 to 4 and grades 5 to 6 will be contacted after April 17, 2025.

Learn more about our judges here.

What can I win? 

All finalists will be recognized at the awards ceremony and published in the QWF’s online magazine, carte blanche, and will be published in a Roslyn and Max Margles Young Writers’ Contest Anthology, which will be available at the Library.