The 2025 Vermont Writers' Prize

Hi, Friends! The Vermont Writers' Prize, a cherished tradition for over three decades, honors the voices and stories that make the Green Mountain State so unique. Sponsored by Green Mountain Power and Vermont Magazine, the annual contest invites writers to submit essays, short stories, or poems that capture the spirit, people, and landscape of Vermont. Entries this year showcased the deep connection between Vermont and its storytellers.

Open to all Vermonters and those who call the state their muse, the prize has become a meaningful way for both emerging and seasoned writers to share their work. Winners received a cash award and publication in the 2025 Summer/Fall Vermont Magazine, gaining recognition and celebrating their bond with the state. Over the years, the contest became a beloved opportunity to reflect on the values that make Vermont special—resilience, simplicity, and a deep love of nature.

As a writer myself, I can say that there is nothing like seeing your work in an esteemed publication with your name in the byline. I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to Devon Bedor, poetry winner from Lyndonville, and Sarah Amatruto, prose winner from Randolph Center. Fun fact- Sarah is originally from Arlington and her parents still live here! I worked with her mother, Jennifer, at the Manchester Community Library, where she still works. If you happen to find yourself in the MCL, make sure to send some love Jennifer’s way- she is definitely a proud mama right now!

For more on the Vermont Writers' Prize, please check out the full press release from Green Mountain Power, below.

COLCHESTER, Vt. – Green Mountain Power (GMP) announced that writers from Lyndonville and Randolph Center are the winners of this year’s Vermont Writers’ Prize, and their winning works are featured in the summer issue of Vermont Magazine, available now.  Devon Bedor from Lyndonville won the poetry category for “Sowing Season” and Sarah Amatruto from Randolph Center won the prose category for the short story, “Finding Mr. Harrington.” In addition to having their works published, the winners each receive $1,250. 

“The entries for this year’s Vermont Writers’ Prize were particularly strong,” said Dr. Joshua Sherman, CEO of Old Mill Road Media and Publisher of Vermont Magazine. “Thank you to all of the writers and poets who shared their writings with us. We’re thrilled to honor Sarah Amatruto (prose) and Devon Bedor (poetry) for their excellent works.”

Sarah Amatruto’s short story “Finding Mr. Harrington” pulls the reader into a modern love story intertwined with mystery. A young couple’s search for answers about an ancestor takes them to all corners of Vermont, uncovering the poignant and extraordinary history of ordinary Vermonters in the process. 

Devon Bedor’s poem “Sowing Season” evokes the beauty of growing season in Vermont while simultaneously making a strong social commentary about the tough economic conditions facing so many Vermonters, and what it takes to make a go of living here. There is longing, heartache and wonder in a field of lupins.  

You can read the winning entries here. https://www.vtmag.com/post/vermont-writers-prize-2025-winners

“Vermont is such a special place to call home, and for 36 years the Writers’ Prize has celebrated that. Congratulations to Sarah and Devon for sharing your exploration of the Vermont experience with all of us,” said Kristin Carlson, a Prize judge and GMP vice president. “We’re already accepting entries for next year’s Prize and looking forward to seeing the different ways that Vermont inspires local writers.” 

The prize is open to Vermont residents and entries are accepted for poetry and prose categories. Your poem, short story, essay, or play should explore Vermont – its people, places, values, or history. You can learn more details and start submitting entries for the 2026 Vermont Writers’ Prize here. The deadline to enter is January 1, 2026. 

About Green Mountain Power

Green Mountain Power serves more than 275,000 residential and business customers in Vermont with electricity that’s 100% carbon free and 82% renewable on an annual basis. GMP is partnering with customers to provide solutions that deliver resiliency and affordability while cutting carbon and costs for all. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. GMP was named to Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies in the World list, the sixth time earning that honor. In 2024, 2023 and 2021 the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) honored GMP as a nationwide leader in energy transformation. And, in 2022 GMP was named to TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential Companies for its groundbreaking resiliency work to transform the grid for customers. 

About Old Mill Road Media

Old Mill Road Media—based in East Arlington, VT— is the publisher of, VERMONT Magazine, STRATTON Magazine, MANCHESTER LIFE, BERKSHIRE Magazine, Music in the Berkshires, and The Vermont News Guide. In addition, Old Mill Road offers a full range of media services, including Audio and Video Production in our state-of-the-art, award-winning Recording Studio, Graphic Design services, Website Design services, and Social Media management. oldmillroadmedia.com