Kids & Teens

Entry Guidelines and Contest FAQ

Do:

• Submit your entry to Pierce County Library System by Feb. 28, 2023.
• Enter with a team or on your own.
• Submit only one entry per person or team per category.
• When mailing submissions, include an entry form with each submission.
• When mailing submissions, include two copies of each submission.

Don’t:

• Put your name anywhere on your submission.
• Submit a work that has been published somewhere else.
• Enter someone else’s work as your own.
• Submit your original – instead copy or scan the work.

Remember:

• All entries become property of Pierce County Library System and will not be returned.
• Our Own Expressions is open to any student in grades 7-12 living or attending school in Pierce County.
• The contest is free to enter.
• Winning works will be published exactly as submitted.
• Winners’ names may appear in the media and in library communications.

THREE WAYS TO ENTER

• Poems: Up to 20 lines.
• Short Stories: Up to 1,200 words.

Professional writers will review entries on the basis of originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the writer.

Submit a high-quality image of your original photograph or drawing. Scanners and copiers are available at any Pierce County Library. If taking photos of your art submissions, make sure you have good lighting, clear focus, and no background objects. 

If submitting online, file limit is 1MB.

Professional artists will review entries on the basis of composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and an effective use of media.

Mail two copies of your submission with one entry form to:

Our Own Expressions
Pierce County Library System
3005 112th St. E.
Tacoma, WA 98446-2215

1.  What will disqualify my entry?

In order to qualify, you must...

• Be in 7th - 12th grade.
• Live or go to school in Pierce County.
• Submit your entry by the dealine Feb. 28, 2023. Late entries will not be accepted.
• Submit only one entry per category.

2.  Who are the judges?

Entries are judged in a double-blind process. Each entry is initially reviewed by two separate pre-judges made of library staff and volunteers. Entries selected in the first round of judging are sent to our final judges, who select the winning entries. Final judges are creative professionals who are passionate about giving back to young writers and artists.

3.  How do I make my entry appealing to the judges?

Our judges review the entries on the basis of originality, creativity, technical skill, and effective use of the media.

4.  Can I submit my three-dimensional art?

At this time, we only accept two-dimensional art in our drawing and photography categories for logistical reasons. We know that three-dimensional art takes creativity and technical skill, but the best way to judge 3D art is in person, with the work itself, rather than with a photograph of the piece. At this time, we don’t have a system in place to be able to receive, transfer, store, and judge three-dimensional submissions with up to three different volunteer and professional judges.

5.  Should I submit a photo of my art to the photography category or the drawing category?

Submit your photo to the photography category if you want our judges to review and judge your submission as a photograph, according to photography techniques and composition.

However, a photo may not be the best way to submit your art to the drawing category because it won’t be the best quality representation. For quality images, we recommend scanning or photocopying art submissions to the drawing category, if possible. Scanners and copiers are available at any Pierce County Library.

6.  I have been working on a story that’s longer than 1200 words. How do I shorten my story to meet the 1200 word criteria?

It is a challenge to write a complete story in only 1200 words. You may consider submitting a chapter of your longer story or novel, or editing down to the most compelling core of your story. Revision is an important part of the writing process! You may also consider writing a new story with the 1200 word limitation in mind from the beginning to guide the construction of your story.

7.  Is digital art allowed in the drawing category?

Yes, as long as it is your original work.

8.  I don’t have a printer or scanner at home. How do I submit?

Scanners and copiers are available at any Pierce County Library. If taking photos of your submissions, make sure you have good lighting, clear focus, and no background objects. 

9.  Can I submit illustrated stories in the short story category?

Yes. The entry will be judged on the content of the story, not on the illustrations.