About These Guidelines
Ages, word limits, languages, dates and selection are confirmed. See How to Submit for step-by-step instructions. The launch date is tentative and will be confirmed on 28 December 2026.Eligibility & Submission Details
Eligibility
The Children's Anthology is open to children aged 6 to 17, counted on 6 December 2026. A parent or guardian must consent to every entry. Entering is free.
Age Groups
There is one open group for ages 6 to 17. There are no separate age bands.
Originality
All entries must be the original, unpublished work of the child submitting them. Plagiarised or previously published work will not be accepted.
Types of Writing Accepted
Stories, poems and essays are accepted. Whatever the form, it must be the child's own original work. The theme is open.
Word Limits
Entries (stories, poems and essays) may be up to 1,500 words. There is no minimum length.
Language
Entries may be written in English or Hindi.
Formatting
Entries are text only: drawings and illustrations are not accepted for this book. Writing must be sent as a Word file (.doc or .docx). If an entry is selected, we will also ask for a high-resolution JPG photograph of the author, which is published only with the parent or guardian's agreement.
Submission Method
Submissions open on 15 November 2026 and close on 6 December 2026. Entries are submitted online by a parent or guardian, from their own account; see How to Submit for the steps.
Multiple Entries
Each child may submit one entry.
Consent, Rights & Protection
Parent/Guardian Consent
A parent or guardian must give consent before any child's entry is submitted or published. The consent process will be published here before submissions open.
School Participation
Schools and teachers are welcome to take part. Teachers can share this page with parents, run a class writing session, and help children choose and polish their own work. The writing must stay the child's own, each child may submit only one entry, and a parent or guardian must consent to every entry; a school cannot give consent on a parent's behalf. Schools that would like to take part in numbers can register their interest or contact us.
Copyright
Copyright in every entry remains with its author. By submitting an entry, the parent or guardian confirms that the work is the child's own and, if the entry is selected, gives Shhalaj Publishing House permission to publish it in Fireflies.
Editorial Rights
Our editorial team may edit selected entries for clarity, length or publication standards, wherever practical in consultation with the contributor. Full terms will be published here.
Selection
Entries are first checked against these guidelines (the child's own work, word limit, language and suitable content) and then read by a panel of empanelled editors. Entries are chosen for originality of idea; imagination and creativity; clear structure (a beginning, middle and end for stories and essays, rhythm and imagery for poems); and use of language and expression, judged for the child's age. Results are announced on 28 December 2026.
Editing
Selected entries may be edited before publication. See "Editorial Rights" above.
Publication
Selected entries are intended for publication in Fireflies: Stories, Poems and Essays by Young Writers, published by Shhalaj Publishing House. A certificate is given to every writer whose work is selected for publication. Families will also be able to buy a copy of the book on book.shhalaj.com (black-and-white edition, MRP Rs 499); a link will be shared with them.
Rejection / Non-Selection
Not every entry can be selected for publication. Every entrant is told the outcome by email after results are announced on 28 December 2026.
Privacy
Any personal information collected as part of a submission will be handled in line with our Privacy Policy.
Child Protection
The safety and wellbeing of every child participant comes first. Full details are set out in our Child Safety Policy.