Enter the Saratoga Living Writing
Competition
&
Get Published!
Letterly is partnering with Saratoga Living magazine to give all writers, ages 13 and up, the opportunity to get published in print.
Register & submit by February 16 for the chance to:
- Get published in the March 2025 issue of Saratoga Living!
- Receive up to two rounds of revisions on each of your articles.
Use the code SARATOGA100 to register for FREE.
How it Works
Be a part of Saratoga Living‘s annual Design Issue, which celebrates everything from fashion design to interior design, in addition to the region’s top restaurants, events and happenings
We’re passionate about empowering writers and amplifying their voices, one word at a time. Check out how you can kickstart your writing and publishing journey today!
Registration Opens January 7
Sign up using the short form here. All we need to get started is your name and email address. Then, we’ll get you connected to the amazing Letterly team.
Start Writing
Start writing your article for the competition. We will guide you along the way with helpful resources and writing tips. Plus, you’ll receive awesome individualized feedback on each draft.
Get Published
Our panel of judges, including editors at Saratoga Living, will choose one lucky piece to be featured in the March 2025 print edition of the magazine.
Contest Closes February 16, 2025
Review our deadlines to make sure you take full advantage of this opportunity.
Enrollment Opens
Any writers, aged 13+, are welcome to register for the Saratoga Living Writing Competition, powered by Letterly.
Competition Begins
Choose one of several prompts (interviewing local business owners, reviewing restaurants, and reporting on local events).
Begin writing! Letterly’s recommendations will help you meet the goal of publishing a fully polished and proofread article.
Last Chance!
Final deadline to submit article(s) into the competition
Winners Announced!
Our panel of judges, including editors at Saratoga Living, will choose one lucky piece to be featured in the March 2025 print edition of the magazine.
All final, approved articles will get published digitally
Saratoga Living Published
Hang tight for the March 2025 Design issue of Saratoga Living to hit the shelves.
Letterly has a proven track record of empowering writers, one word at a time.
Student Experiences
Check Out These Testimonials from Previous Winners
“Letterly positively impacted me by getting me hooked and infinitely interested in both the editorial and newspaper process, which eventually led me to create my school’s first unofficial newspaper at the beginning of the year. Now I can confidently share my successes as the winner of Letterly’s Feature Frontrunner and Committed Columnist awards, and second place winner in the Letterly special edition writing contest.”
Ben
“What I enjoyed the most about Letterly was how the coaches gave detailed feedback and helped me improve my writing skills with specific advice. The program helped greatly with English class next year, since my writing skill didn’t deteriorate over the summer and had even improved! Before the program, I’d always thought writing was a tedious affair, but after a summer of writing an article per day, I found writing to be more enjoyable, and I’ve also improved on my time management skills from the constant flow of writing prompts.”
Richard
“While participating in The Journal Bootcamp, I interacted with a personal coach who understood my skills and strengths and guided me in the right direction. I could discuss my writing in detail through weekly meetings and receive personalized feedback on improving it. By the end of the camp, I better understood how to create clear and impactful essays that would resonate with the reader. Personally, I improved a lot on word redundancies and expanded my vocabulary. This bootcamp was a great opportunity, and I highly recommend it for aspiring writers.”
Grace
Why Writing Competitions Matter
Letterly’s mission is to empower writers and amplify their voices, one word at a time.
We are passionate about building consistent writing routines, sharing stories from all walks of life, and getting writers published!
Encourage Creativity
Writing competitions give writers the opportunity to explore their creativity, develop their unique voice, and share their thoughts with a broader audience.
Provide Valuable Feedback
Participating in a competition can offer writers constructive feedback and the chance to be recognized for their talent. Winning or even being acknowledged boosts their self-esteem and inspires them to continue pursuing their passion for writing.
Build Skills for the Future
Writing competitions teach discipline, critical thinking, and effective communication—skills that are critical in any career. By tackling deadlines, crafting compelling narratives, and revising their work, young writers gain tools that make them better writers, better thinkers, and effective communicators
Letterly Students are Winners Everywhere
Our students enter local, national, and international writing competitions year-round.
Scholastic Awards
John Locke Competition
Literary Magazines
The work of Letterly students can be found in several literary magazines and online journals.
Inspiration from Our Students
See the power of personalized learning reflected in the work of our talented young writers!
The Rose Tree in Front of My House
Grace G.
The author reflects on her family’s memories that grow entangled within a rose tree, highlighting their shared history and strong relations. This piece won first place in the 2023 Letterly Journal Summer Writing Competition.
A Chance to Recover
Jerry Z.
In this creative essay, the author recounts the bittersweet anxiety of participating in a chess competition. He paints his opponents as the bearers of some of his greatest lessons, invigorating his drive for becoming better. This piece won second place in the 2023 Letterly Journal Summer Writing Competition.
How to Stay Alive: Be Quiet
Anya C.
In this chilling short piece, the author depicts the haunting reality of life in American schools. She uses deep metaphors and subtle imagery to send chills down the readers’ spines. This piece won second place in the 2024 Letterly Journal Summer Writing Competition.
Les Miserables Made Me Feel Many Things, But Miserable Was Not One of Them
Benjamin
He: This critical review dives into all the best bits and pieces of the world-renowned musical movie, Les Miserables, while highlighting the author’s witty sarcasm and unique commentary.
Simone Biles Wins Gold in 2024 Olympics All-Around
Isabella W.
In this soft news sports article, the author recounts the rollercoaster of events surrounding Biles’ performance at the 2024 Olympics.
Most Students Fail New Challenging Curriculum: AP Sleep
Richard Z.
This witty satirical piece engages with a mix of fact-based research and fictional storytelling to discuss a relevant phenomenon amongst students everywhere.
FAQ
Is it really free to participate?
Yes, the Saratoga Living Writing Competition is completely free for all participants. There are no hidden fees—just bring your creativity and passion for writing!
Who is eligible to participate in the competition?
The competition is open to all writers aged 13 and up who are passionate about writing and interested in journalism.
What is the deadline to register?
You must register by January 31, 2025 to participate.
What will participants gain from this competition?
Participants will:
- Get published in the March 2025 issue of Saratoga Living (for the winning piece).
- Receive up to two rounds of revisions on each article.
- Receive helpful writing tips and techniques along the way.
What kind of article will I write?
You’ll choose from prompts such as interviewing local business owners, reviewing restaurants, or reporting on community events. Your article will go through up to two rounds of expert feedback.
How are winners selected?
A panel of judges, including editors from Saratoga Living, will review submissions and select the winning piece to be published in the magazine.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced in late February 2025, and their piece will be featured in the March 2025 print edition of Saratoga Living.
What makes this competition special?
This program is unique because it offers hands-on guidance from seasoned editors, multiple rounds of feedback, and a real opportunity to be published in a well-respected magazine.
How do I register?
Click the button below to sign up and take the first step toward getting published!