Ages 7-14 · Open to Indian citizens
Freedom Ink
This August, hand your child a blank page and watch their imagination take over. The Book Baker invites young authors across India to write an original story inspired by the spirit of freedom, with a chance to become a published writer.
Choose Your Category
Every entry is evaluated within its own age group by The Book Baker editorial panel.
years
700 words
years
900 words
About The Book Baker
The Book Baker has been founded by children’s author and LSE alumni Smriti Rathi and is India’s leading publisher for books written by children, for children. Our platform believes in the transformative power of words and the boundless creativity of young minds. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of storytellers by providing a supportive and engaging environment where children can explore the joys of creative expression.
All The Book Baker authors start their journey with creative writing classes conceptualised by experienced writers. This ensures that they are fully supported as they ideate, write, design, dramatise, and publish their very own storybooks from scratch. With more than one hundred little authors created all over the country and abroad, we strive to ignite the spark of creativity in every child, fostering a love for language and storytelling that will last a lifetime.
Four Steps to Submission
Register
Pay the ₹699 entry fee and complete the guardian consent form by 14th August.
Get the Topic
The contest theme lands in your inbox on 15th August, 2026.
Write & Submit
Submit the final story via Google Form by 11:59 PM on 29th August, 2026.
Results & Feedback
Winners declared on 15th September, 2026. Certificates and reviews sent to all.
The Full Book Baker Author Experience
Give your child the pride of seeing their name on an officially published book.
Grand Winner Package
- Story published as an official printed book
- Listed on Amazon India for one full year
- Custom illustrations by professional artists
- 1-on-1 editing session with a mentor
- Official YouTube book trailer launch
- 5 printed author copies + online book launch event
🥈 Runner-Up Finalists (4 per category)
- Physical certificate of achievement
- The Book Baker memento mug filled with chocolates
- Special discount coupon for publishing programs
🎗️ Every Participant
- Official e-certificate of participation
- Personalized written feedback from The Book Baker editors
Does Your Child...
Contest Rules at a Glance
Eligibility — Open to Indian citizens aged 7 to 14 years. Guardian consent form required.
Categories — Story Sprouts (7 to 10 years) and Word Wizards (11 to 14 years) judged separately.
Word Limit — Maximum 700 words for Story Sprouts; Maximum 900 words for Word Wizards.
The Topic — Released on 15th August, 2026 via email; must be central to the story.
Entry Fee — ₹699 payable at registration. Non-refundable. Registration closes 14th August.
Deadline — Submissions close 11:59 PM, 29th August, 2026.
Originality — Must be 100% written by the child. No AI or adult writing allowed.
Results — Announced on 15th September, 2026. Judges' decisions are final.
About the Founder
The Book Baker is founded by Smriti, author of the children's book "The Dream Seller." She holds a Master's degree from the London School of Economics and has spent over a decade teaching creative writing, speech, and drama.
With dual Creative Writing certificates from Oxford University, Smriti designs every Book Baker initiative to empower young voices.
Common Questions
Any Indian citizen aged 7 to 14 years. Parent/guardian consent is mandatory.
Story Sprouts (7 to 10 years) and Word Wizards (11 to 14 years).
Topic is released on 15th August, 2026. Submissions close on 29th August, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Results come out on 15th September, 2026.
Winners receive full book publishing, Amazon listing, custom illustration, mentorship, book trailer, and physical copies.
This Independence Day, Let Their Stories Take Flight
Last date to register is 14th August, 2026. Submissions close 29th August, 2026.
Participate Now — ₹699