CAREER OF COPIES · Summer 2026 · Torch: U.S.
“The printing press allows you to copy texts within hours.” The merchant beams, standing next to the author.
“This would change my life, kind sir!” Varro shouts, “May I give it a try?” The Greek steps away, hand extended in invitation. “Be my guest.”
It only takes the kind merchant a few minutes to show Varro how to operate the printing press. The machine works efficiently and easily under the author’s hand. Papyrus sheets fly through the air as the merchant and the author work together to copy up a storm.
Within a day, one exemplar of his entire story was copied. The story is long and perfectly printed onto sheets of papyrus. A handwritten one would have taken months to make.
“Sir, you have truly saved me!” Varro praises the shopkeeper, wrapping him in a warm embrace. Tears stain the Greeks clothes as the author weeps onto his shoulder.
Over the next month, Varro copies his work until he has enough copies to travel to Rome and sell them for all to read. With tired legs, but high spirits, the author makes his way through the enormous city. People take the copies, shocked by the sheer number of them. Roman officials and senators read. Children of elite houses read. Merchants, artisans, craftsmen, and architects read. Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, read. All the people of Rome put their hands on Varro’s incredible story. All had the chance to read it.
The author gave credit to his Greek merchant friend, whose name he never learned. He wrote about him in an article, which he copied on the man’s printing press. After about a year of literary success, Varro built a replica of the merchants press and continued writing. People all over Rome praised the great Varro and the Greek who created the incredible printing press.
Ancient citizens began building and using printing presses, expanding literature and knowledge throughout the Roman Empire. Civilians read, wrote, printed, and learned. The press changed Varro’s life, enhancing his career, copy by copy.
Winning 10th Grade Submission of Creative Writing Contest
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Statue of Marcus Terentius Varro