QCWC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

​

Who can enter?

You are eligible to enter the competition if you are 18 years or younger and are a national or resident of a Commonwealth country or territory. If you are 19 years old or older by 30 April 2026, we encourage you to enter the Commonwealth Short Story Prize - Commonwealth Short Story Prize - Commonwealth Foundation

 

Is there a word limit?

Yes, the maximum word count is 1,000 words. Entrants should not feel any need to use up all available words. There is no minimum word count, and our judges mark based on the quality of the writing, so longer entries will not automatically score higher than shorter entries.

 

Can I use AI in my entry?

Wholly or partly AI generated work is not accepted in the Competition and the RCS has complete discretion in making the decision about the use of AI to disqualify an entry or recommend that an entry is marked down.

 

Can I change my entry after I have submitted it?

No, after your entry has been received, we are unable to make any additional adjustments.

 

Can I enter more than once?

No, entrants can submit one entry only. They must pick one question and respond in 1,000 words or less.

 

Where can I find the topics for the 2026 competition?

Topics for The Queen's Commonwealth Writing Competition 2026 can be read online or downloaded.

 

Can I use illustrations in my entry?

Unless you are submitting a piece of writing in which illustrations are an integral part, for instance a comic, do not include illustrations in your entry as they will not gain credit. Further, as the competition is a writing competition, please be aware that the quality of your written content of your submission will be the main focus of our judges, images will not be rewarded within the mark scheme. If you are more interested in pictures or images, we would encourage you to explore the upcoming Commonwealth Ocean Youth Photography Competition!

 

AFTER SUBMISSION

 

Are there prizes for the winners?

A winner will be selected from each region of the Commonwealth (The Americas, The Pacific, Asia, Africa and Europe), and from these five, one overall winner will be chosen. All regional winners will be invited to London for a week of cultural and educational activities, culminating in an award ceremony. If you are not selected as a winner, you will still be awarded a certificate, and you have the chance of winning one of the below options Gold Certificate Silver Certificate Bronze Certificate Certificate of Participation Local RCS branches often hold local and regional ceremonies or offer prizes so if you were made aware of the competition by your local RCS branch, please contact them after the competition closes on 30 April 2026 to inquire about any activities they might have planned.

 

How do I know if my entry was successfully submitted?

At the end of the online submission process, you will receive a notice that your entry has been successfully submitted by email. This notice will contain a unique identification number, which will also be emailed to your nominated email address. If you are encountering difficulties, please email competitions@royalcwsociety.org for assistance.

 

How will I receive my certificate?

Entrants to the competition will have their certificates sent to their nominated email address at the end of the judging process in the later part of 2026

 

Tips from the Judges

The following guidelines provide some useful insights from previous judges who have had experience recognising what makes a good piece of writing, and may help you get started on your submission:

​​​

1. Choose to answer one of the topics, and you are encouraged to interpret this in any way you wish.  

2. Think carefully about the form of writing you use to answer the topic. There are a variety of forms and styles to play with. 

3. Make sure to use your own voice and your own words. Judges are very good at spotting work that is not original. 

4. We understand that English is a diverse language and there are different and innovative ways of using it around the Commonwealth. We encourage diversity and creativity of language in submissions. 

5. Ensure you take into account grammar and punctuation whilst writing your piece. Do not submit an entry without proof-reading. 

6. Entries must respond to the topic. Each year a number of good entrants must be disregarded because they do not fully answer/reflect on what the topic has asked them to do. 

7. Entrants are encouraged to be creative in their response to a topic. Entries can be submitted in a number of different formats: for example, a poem, letter, article, story, essay or a short play/script.