The 2025 Detroit Writing Room Awards

Come celebrate the talented poets, screenwriters, children's book authors, novelists and writers of all ages from Metro Detroit at the 2025 Detroit Writing Room Awards!

The Detroit Writing Room Awards ceremony will take place at Detroit Public Theatre on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. EST!

Writers and photographers from the region applied to the awards, and our team of judges narrowed down the finalists in each category. During the ceremony emceed by DWR coach and Detroit Free Press columnist Neal Rubin, you'll find out who takes first, second and third in:

• Poetry
• Flash Fiction
• Non-fiction
• Memoir
• Screenwriting
• Blogs
• Essay
• Children's Book Manuscript
• Photography

Guests will first enjoy a happy hour with beer, wine and apps. You'll get a chance to mingle with fellow writers and DWR Award judges who are award-winning authors, journalists and photographers as well as Detroit Writing Room and Coaching Detroit Forward coaches.

Guests will also hear from Coaching Detroit Forward high school student Ryan Bell who participated in Coaching Detroit Forward's 2025 photography camps and college essay workshop.

Plus! Attendees will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win the "Detroit Voices" publication featuring finalists, Perspectives Magazine 2025, a Detroit Writing Room membership ($199 value), 2 tickets to Detroit Public Theatre's "Holiday Cabaret," a surprise item from Freewrite and other prizes!

Copies of the 2025 edition of "Detroit Voices" featuring the the finalists will be available for purchase onsite once the ceremony ends and the winners are revealed! All finalists will receive 1 complimentary copy of the book. Winners are encouraged to sign books after the ceremony!

$30 for students

$50 for general admission

*Includes wine, beer and appetizers from Mongers Provisions.

All proceeds support the DWR's nonprofit arm Coaching Detroit Forward, which offers free writing and photography programs for Detroit high school students. Learn more and donate at coachingdetroitforward.org or add a donation with your ticket!

Tickets are nonrefundable. Tickets will not be available at the door. Registration closes at 6:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 6, 2025.

The Detroit Writing Room offers an inspirational community for writers, creatives and professionals. Whether you’re working on the next Great American novel or a resume, the DWR has 30 professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs. We also host book talks, writing workshops, and literary events. Visit detroitwritingroom.com to sign up for coaching, memberships, events and more. Check out newyorkwritingroom.com to see our New York-based coaching team.

Coaching Detroit Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coaches Detroit high school students in writing, photography, graphic design and other creative fields. Award-winning local journalists, authors, communications professionals, photographers and designers teach students and share their expertise through summer camps and workshops. Through Coaching Detroit Forward, students gain mentors who guide them through internships, jobs and careers.

During the summer of 2025, students in our photography and journalism camp produced Perspectives Magazine. The publication features their photography and stories, which can also be viewed online at coachingdetroitforward.org.

Photo above by Ella Miller at Michigan Central Station

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 3rd Avenue, Detroit, United States