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Writers & Books Announces Three New Writing Contests for Adults and Teens




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Rochester, NY—This fall, Writers & Books is launching three new writing contests celebrating emerging and established voices across New York State. Opportunities include a juried residency for adult writers at Gell: A Finger Lakes Creative Retreat Center, and two poetry contests offering winners the chance to perform or be featured during the 2026 Poetry Festival in the Highland Park Bowl. Each contest includes an honorarium and other benefits.


1. The 2026 Juried Writing Residency at Gell: A Finger Lakes Creative Retreat (Naples, NY)


Adult writers (18+) of any genre are invited to apply for a 6-day, 5-night rent-free residency at Gell Cottage in Naples, NY, offered between February 1 – June 30 and August 30 – December 31, 2026. The selected writer will also receive a $300 stipend.


Nestled in the Bristol Hills, the newly renovated Gell Retreat Center offers writers a serene environment of meadows, forests, and spring-fed streams—an ideal setting for reflection and creativity.


Applicants must submit a writing sample and a $20 reading fee by October 31, 2025. Learn more at: https://wab.org/product/juried-writing-residency-at-gell/


2. The 2026 Teen Poetry Contest (Ages 13–18)

Co-hosted by Writers & Books and the Rochester Oratorio Society


Teen poets are invited to submit an original poem on the theme of freedom for the chance to have their work transformed into a choral composition and performed live (with ASL interpretation) on June 11, 2026, at the annual Poetry Festival in the Highland Park Bowl. The winning poet will also have the option to perform their poem prior to the choral presentation and will receive a $100 award. Submissions (one per student) are free and due by December 21, 2025. Learn more at: https://wab.org/teen-poetry-contest/


3. The 2026 Poetry Festival Contest (Adult Poets)

One New York State-based poet will be selected to join the festival lineup, reading alongside nationally renowned writers and regional talents. The winner will receive a $100 honorarium, a 15-minute featured reading slot, and the opportunity to have their book(s) available through Ampersand Books, Writers & Books’ indie bookstore. Applicants must submit a writing sample and a $15 reading fee by October 31, 2025. Learn more at: https://wab.org/product/poetry-festival-contest/


About the Poetry Festival at Highland Park Bowl


Co-hosted with the Highland Park Conservancy, the third annual Poetry Festival (June 10–12, 2026) will present three evenings of poetry and music in Rochester’s iconic open-air amphitheater. The ASL-interpreted, mobility-friendly event draws hundreds of literature and nature lovers to hear acclaimed poets and rising voices from across New York State. Books by featured poets will be available through Ampersand Books, with signings following each reading.


About Writers & Books


Writers & Books promotes reading and writing as lifelong activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enrich lives and strengthen communities. The organization engages youth and adults through workshops, readings, presentations, and community-based activities. Located in Rochester, Writers & Books owns and operates Ampersand Books, its in-house indie bookstore, and Gell: A Finger Lakes Creative Retreat in Naples, NY. Learn more at wab.org. About the Rochester Oratorio Society


Founded in 1945, the Rochester Oratorio Society presents choral music of the highest quality, engaging and inspiring audiences across the nine-county region through music that uplifts and unites communities.

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