Established in 1976, the First Novel Award program has launched the careers of some of Canada’s most beloved novelists. Previous winners include Michael Ondaatje, Joan Barfoot, Joy Kogawa, W. P. Kinsella, Nino Ricci, Rohinton Mistry, Michael Redhill, Mona Awad, Katherena Vermette, Casey Plett, Michelle Good, and last year’s winner, Alicia Elliott.
The Youth Short Story Category invites authors between the ages of thirteen and seventeen to submit a short story under 3,000 words. The winner in this category will receive $5,000 and the five finalists will each receive $500.
How to Apply
- Eligibility
- Application
- Judging
- Terms
To enter, you must be:
- Between the ages of 13 and 17 as of the submission deadline;
- Canadian citizens (regardless of residency) or permanent residents of Canada.
To enter the competition, the author, their parent, their legal guardian, or their publisher must submit a fully completed submission form for the short story they wish to enter. Only one short story may be submitted per youth author. For each submission, the person submitting the entry must send electronic versions of a completed submission form, including parental consent.
For more information please contact amazoncanadafirstnovelaward@thewalrus.ca.
Submissions for the Youth Short Story Category must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST) on February 9, 2025.
The award ceremony will be held in Toronto on June 5, 2025. Flights and 2-night stay in a hotel are covered by Amazon for the 6 finalists and a guest.
Written consent from the Youth Author’s parent or legal guardian must be submitted along with the Youth Author’s submission.