Teen Book Project & Teen Editorial Board
Lake Erie Ink’s Teen Book project, now entering its ninth year, publishes artistic work from teens across Northeast Ohio. The project is designed and run by a team of 8-10 teen editors who oversee every step of the project, from initially choosing the theme to editing and formatting the book. The final result is a professionally bound anthology, published in the spring, featuring youth voices in a variety of genres. Submissions are open to youth in grades 6-12 in any genre of writing or art: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, photography, painting, and more.
Scroll down to view rules and prompts, and to submit your work!
Submit below!
SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED:
FEBRUARY 4TH
This year’s theme is Hide & Seek!
The Rules:
- The teen book project is open to grades 6-12 throughout Northeast Ohio.
2. All genres of writing and art are accepted, including: fiction and flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, paintings, drawings, photography, etc.
3. All pieces must respond to the theme “Hide & Seek.”
4. Contributors may submit up to 3 pieces in total.
5. Work that is partially or completely produced by artificial intelligence (AI) tools will not be accepted for publication as original work.
Need a prompt to get started? Check out the ones below!
2025 Teen Book Prompts:
Your character is a hider, who is their seeker?
Where do you hide? How do you hide? What are the things people don’t see about you?
Tell a story about a time you felt truly seen.
Ready or not, here it comes…
What is the one thing you (or your character) would do anything to find?
What do you seek? In the world? In others? In yourself?
What do you wish people wouldn’t hide from? Or what do you wish people would seek more of?
What are some childhood games that you have strong memories of?
The countdown is starting: Where is the first place you (or your character) run to hide?
The game is over… What are you still hiding from?
What’s the most surprising thing you (or your character) have ever found? Tell the story.
Want to be an editor?
Teen Editorial Board Meetings
Tuesdays | 6:30-8pm
Aug 27-Dec 17, Jan 7-May 27
Virtual Zoom Meeting
Contact [email protected] or (216) 320-4757 to get more information and the link for the meetings.
We offer our deepest gratitude to our young professional board, Fresh Ink, for sponsoring this program. Fresh Ink is a group of young professionals who raise funds and friends in support of Lake Erie Ink’s mission. This program is also made possible with the support of the Callahan Foundation, the Nord Family Foundation, the Baldwin Wallace Jacket Philanthropy program, and the Puffin Foundation West.
Baldwin Wallace Jacket Philanthropy Program
Past Anthologies:
LEI’s eighth teen anthology is Some Thing To Say. This anthology features over eighty teen writers from across Northeast Ohio, as well as a section of poems by Writers in Residence and a forward by Siaara Freeman, poet laureate for Cleveland Heights and University Heights. You can find a copy at a local independent bookstore or buy one directly from Lake Erie Ink’s online store.
LEI’S seventh teen anthology, Keys & Locks. This anthology features over a hundred teen writers from across Northeast Ohio, as well as a section of poems by Writers in Residence, and a forward by Felton Thomas, Jr., director of the Cleveland Public Library. You can view the full anthology by clicking here.
LEI’s sixth teen anthology, Blur. Purchase your copy at local independent bookstores around town or contact us directly at [email protected] or 216-320-4757.
LEI’s fifth teen anthology, On The Other Side. The book features a large collection of NEO teen work and a forward by Honey Bell-Bey. View the full anthology by clicking here. You can also purchase your copy at local independent bookstores around town or contact us directly at [email protected] or 216-320-4757.
LEI’s fourth book, The Fundamental Elements. View the full anthology by clicking here. You can purchase your copy at local independent bookstores around town or contact us directly at [email protected] or 216-320-4757.
LEI’s third book. You can purchase your copy at local independent bookstores around town or contact us directly at [email protected] or 216-320-4757.
LEI’s second book features writing from more than 65 NE Ohio teens and includes a forward by acclaimed author Paula McClain. You can purchase your copy at local independent bookstores around town or contact us directly at [email protected] or 216-320-4757.
LEI’s first book featured writing from 48 teens. You can purchase your copy at local independent bookstores around town or contact us directly at [email protected] or 216-320-4757.