World Handwriting Contest 2024

The World Handwriting Contest in now accepting entries, beginning January 1.

The Contest judges select winners each year, from July through September.

Who May Enter?

Anyone in the world, of any age, may enter the World Handwriting Contest.

Our team of judges will evaluate your entry within ONE of the following age groups.

1. Children (age 7 and under)

2. Pre-Teens (ages 8 through 12)

3. Teens (ages 13 through 19)

4. Adults (ages 20 through 64)

5. Seniors (age 65 and over)

Contest Categories

Within each age group, the judges will sort submissions into two categories of handwriting.

Functional Handwriting:

Functional handwriting strives for legibility, speed, and fluency without aiming at artistic effect. For this category, the judges will further separate entries as cursive, which joins 50% or more of its letters or manuscript printing, which joins fewer than half of its letters.

Artistic Handwriting:

Artistic handwriting uses a monoline or calligraphy marker, pen, or brush along with decorative strokes, flourishes, and/or combinations of shading, hairlines and/or thick and thin strokes to create an artistic effect.

Awards

The World Handwriting Contest awards first and second prizes in each of the above categories and subcategories.

Prize-winners’ names and writing samples are announced and posted on this website and our social media by October. Winners’ names & handwriting samples are displayed on this website for a full year.

Entry Specifications

Paper

Use either lined or unlined paper, 8 1/2 x 11 inches or A4 size.

The written quote must fit on the front side of ONE sheet of paper. Allow at least a 1/2-inch margin on all sides of the quote.

Writing Instruments

Use any of the following writing instruments: ballpoint pen, fountain pen, felt/fiber tip marker, or calligraphy pen/brush. Use the same writing instrument throughout the entry.

Back Ink Only

Because we scan winning entries for display, please use only black ink and white or light-colored paper, either plain or lined, with no preprinted pictures or decorations.

Info Required:

On the reverse side of your entry, not on the front, or in the text of the email to which a scan of an entry is attached, write or type in English:

1) Your full name

2) Your full address

3) Your age on July 1 of the year in which you enter

4) Your phone number

5) Your email address (if any)

Students:

Please give your school name, address, phone number, and email address, along with your own name and address. Your school will receive notification if you win.

Send Your Best Work!

Do NOT send rough drafts. If you make a mistake, start over: do NOT erase, cross out, “white out,” or cover up your errors. Visible erasures/cross-outs/cover-ups/”whiting out” will count more heavily against your work than the original errors themselves.

30 June 2024