The National Literacy Trust and Bloomsbury Publishing are calling on budding children’s fiction writers to recreate a classic fairy tale, with the chance to have their work published. The Short Story Prize 2017 is set to unearth brilliant new talent in children’s writing across the UK. The writing competition challenges unpublished authors to capture children’s imaginations with a short story that gives a well-known fairy tale a modern twist. Entries should be between 2,000 and 4,000 words, aimed at children aged 8 to 12. The top 10 stories will be published in an eBook anthology by Bloomsbury, the renowned publishers of titles by J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman and Louis Sachar. The 10 winners will also receive £200 each. This year’s competition, which follows the success of the New Children’s Author Prize 2015 and the Poetry Prize 2016, will be judged by representatives from the National Literacy Trust and Bloomsbury Publishing.   Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust said: “Exciting and inspiring literature is vital to our work, so we are delighted to be working with Bloomsbury Publishing for the third year to uncover new children’s writing talent. “For decades, fairy tales have been used to help children and adults better understand themselves and the world around them. We can’t wait to see how aspiring authors will give the magical stories we love a modern twist, while supporting our work to help more children fall in love with reading.”   Ian Lamb, Head of Children's Marketing and Publicity at Bloomsbury Publishing said: “Bloomsbury are delighted to once again partner with the National Literacy Trust on a competition that looks to discover the talent and imagination of undiscovered writers. Short stories are often a key way for young people to get into reading and we cannot wait to read the wonderfully twisted submissions.”   Emma Cox, winner of the New Children’s Author Prize 2015 said: "This is a magical opportunity to grasp with both hands - how fabulous to write a twisted, wicked modern take on a fairy tale.... I’d say don’t doubt yourself: enter this competition. Have faith in the talent that you have, throw in a bit of luck, some powerful magic and support the wonderful work of the National Literacy Trust. Set yourself achievable targets, start scribbling ideas down now, carry your story in your head wherever you go … it’s a wonderful experience, and if you’re one of the 10 winning writers you will have created your own happy ever after. Just think of that." The launch of the Short Story Prize 2017 comes after a new national celebration of creative writing was announced earlier this month. National Writing Day on 21 June 2017 encourages people to put pen to paper and unleash their imagination”. First entry is £30 (subsequent submissions £15). The competition closes at midnight on 25 June 2017. All proceeds will help the National Literacy Trust continue its work to tackle low literacy levels in deprived communities across the UK. Find out more literacytrust.org.uk/shortstories