REQUIRED
Pick a story starter from below, written by Jeff Kinney, and develop into a terrifying tale in your own unique style. Make sure your story is within 300-1,000 words.
- In an old house at the top of the hill that no one had lived in for years and years, a light came on in the attic.
- The cemetery was full of gravestones, as most cemeteries are. But no one could’ve imagined what has been buried under the unmarked gravestone in the overgrown corner of the lot.
- The scarecrow in the overgrown cornfield always seemed to be pointed in the same direction: Towards me.
- For a ghost, Harlow wasn’t very scary. In fact, if he saw himself in the mirror, he’d go as white as ... well, you know.
Winners will be selected by Jeff Kinney!
One grand prize winner will win
- A virtual meet-and-greet with Jeff Kinney
- Your story published on WimpyKid.com and in The Week Junior
- Signed copies of Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories Deluxe Collector’s Edition and Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2
Two Runners-Up will receive frightfully fun Wimpy Kid prize packs, valued at $250
Official Rules and FAQs
Do all submissions need to begin with one of the supplied story starters?
Yes. All stories must begin with one of Jeff Kinney's provided story starters.
Who can enter the contest?
Children ages 8-12 who are legal residents of the United States or Washington, D.C. Entries must be submitted by a parent, teacher, or guardian age 18 or older.
How long should each story be?
300 - 1,000 words
Are illustrations allowed?
Yes, illustrations are allowed but not required. If creators wish to include their own art, they may submit a maximum of 1–2 illustrated drawings. Please note: file size must be under 10MB.
The winner gets to meet Jeff Kinney?
Yes! The grand prize winner will get to virtually meet Jeff, so that Jeff may congratulate the winner on their amazing story!
Can I collaborate with a friend/sibling?
Each story should be the sole work of one creator.
What are the judging criteria?
Creativity & originality.
When will we hear about the winners?
If you have placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd, you will learn on or around October 5, 2026. All other entrants can view the winning story, which will be published in the Halloween issue of The Week Junior Magazine and also, posted on www.wimpykid.com towards the end of October.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. ages 8–12. Parent, teacher, or guardian age 18+ must submit the submission. Begins on 8/11/26 and ends 9/14/26. One original story (300–1,000 words), no AI-generated content. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules at https://www.abramsbooks.com/the-spooky-stories-writing-contest-official-rules/.