For Young Artists in Grades K–5

The South Coast Book Festival invites kids in grades K–5 to enter our Bookmark Contest and show off their creativity! Design a colorful, book-themed bookmark that celebrates a world of wonder, and your art could be printed and shared at this year’s festival.

Deadline: July 15, 2026

Have a story in the works? Enter the First Words Contest and submit the first 500 - 800 words of your unpublished manuscript for a chance to win $100 and be recognized at the 2026 South Coast Book Festival Opening Ceremony.

Winner announced at the 2025 South Coast Book Festival.

Deadline: July 15, 2026

Theme: A World of Wonder

Are you a digital artist or graphic designer with a passion for storytelling? The 2026 South Coast Book Festival invites creatives 18 and older to design a poster that brings this year’s theme, "A World of Wonder," to life. Enter for a chance to win $100 and be recognized at the 2026 South Coast Book Festival Opening Ceremony.

Be featured as the official souvenir poster of the 2026 South Coast Book Festival

Deadline: July 15, 2026