The Best Novel Writing Contests Every Writer Should Know

If you're writing a novel and dreaming of getting noticed, entering a writing contest could be your big break. These contests can offer cash prizes, publishing opportunities, and help you build confidence as a writer. Whether you're a first-time novelist or have a few drafts under your belt, there are contests out there just for you. In this guide, we'll break down some of the best novel writing contests you should check out.

1. Bath Novel Award

The Bath Novel Award is a prestigious international prize for unpublished and self-published authors. It’s open to writers of all genres aimed at adults or young adults. Known for its strong judging panel and track record of launching careers, this contest offers not only a cash prize but also valuable industry exposure.

• Genre: Any genre for adults or young adults (13+)

• Entry fee: £29.99

• Open to: Unagented, unpublished, self-published, or independently published writers

• When to submit: By 31 May 2025

• Prize: £5,000 plus a trophy

2. Caledonia Novel Award

This UK-based contest is open to unpublished and self-published writers without agent representation. The Caledonia Novel Award values strong storytelling across all genres and helps connect promising authors with literary agents. It also includes a special course prize for the best UK or Irish submission.

• Genre: Any genre for adults or young adults

• Entry fee: £28

• Open to: Writers over 18 without agent representation

• When to submit: By 15 October 2025

• Prize: £1,500 and a free writing course placement

3. Bridport Prize Novel Award

Part of the larger Bridport Prize, this contest is highly respected in the UK and Ireland. Writers submit an excerpt from their unpublished novel, and winners receive mentoring and publication opportunities. It’s especially popular among debut authors looking to break into traditional publishing.

• Genre: Adult fiction, including young adult with crossover appeal

• Entry fee: £24

• Open to: Unagented writers aged 16+ from the UK, Ireland, or abroad

• When to submit: By 31 May 2025

• Prize: £1,500 and professional mentoring

4. The Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize

This contest focuses on the very first page of a novel. It's designed to help writers hook readers (and agents) from the first line. It welcomes unpublished novels in any genre and provides a generous prize for a standout first impression.

• Genre: Any genre

• Entry fee: $20

• Open to: Writers over 18 with an unpublished novel

• When to submit: By 16 July 2025

• Prize: $1,000

5. First Novel Prize

Aimed at unpublished and self-published writers, this contest rewards a strong opening and synopsis. It's judged by professionals in the industry and is well-regarded as a launchpad for debut authors writing for adult audiences.

• Genre: Adult fiction only

• Entry fee: £25

• Open to: Self-published or unpublished writers

• When to submit: By 31 May 2025

• Prize: £1,000

6. Book Pipeline Unpublished Competition

This contest helps unpublished manuscripts get noticed by industry professionals in publishing and film. With multiple genre categories and strong connections to literary agents and producers, it’s an ideal option for writers looking to take their manuscript to the next level.

• Genre: Literary, mystery, horror/thriller, romance, sci-fi & fantasy, general fiction, YA, and more

• Entry fee: $60

• Open to: Writers worldwide aged 18+

• When to submit: By 20 August 2025

• Prize: $2,500 per category winner plus project development support

7. Chapter One Prize (Gutsy Great Novelist)

This international contest seeks the strongest first chapter of a novel-in-progress. It’s a great chance for writers to test the waters and gain recognition before finishing their full manuscript. Judging focuses on voice, originality, and potential.

• Genre: Adult and young adult fiction

• Entry fee: $20

• Open to: Writers aged 18+

• When to submit: By 3 March 2025

• Prize: $1,000 for first place

8. Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award

The BPA First Novel Award supports new voices in fiction. It offers not only a cash prize but a direct introduction to a literary agent. This contest is ideal for writers seeking both validation and industry connections.

• Genre: All adult fiction; YA with crossover potential

• Entry fee: £25 (free entry for low-income writers available)

• Open to: Unrepresented and unpublished authors

• When to submit: By 31 May 2025

• Prize: £1,000 and an agent introduction

9. The Next Big Story

One of the most lucrative prizes in novel contests, The Next Big Story is open to early-career writers from select countries. It looks for a powerful first 1,500 words and offers a huge cash prize to help develop the project further.

• Genre: All genres, including children’s fiction

• Entry fee: $15

• Open to: Writers 18+ in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia without literary agents

• When to submit: By 31 July 2025

• Prize: $100,000 (or £75,000 for UK entrants)

10. North Street Book Prize

This is one of the most high-value contests for self-published or hybrid-published authors. It rewards not just writing skill but the success of authors outside traditional publishing. It’s a great option for indie authors with a completed novel.

• Genre: Most genres (see contest site for specifics)

• Entry fee: $79

• Open to: Self-published or hybrid-published authors of any age

• When to submit: By 1 July 2025

• Prize: $10,000 plus additional perks

Writing Contests vs. Querying Agents: What's Better?

If you're aiming to get published, you might be wondering whether to focus on entering writing contests or querying literary agents. The short answer? Both paths can work, and they’re not mutually exclusive.

Contests can be a great way to get your foot in the door, especially if you’re just starting out. A win or even a shortlist mention can boost your confidence and add serious credibility to your writing résumé. Some contests even connect winners directly with agents or publishers. Plus, deadlines can help you finish that draft you’ve been avoiding.

Querying agents, on the other hand, is the more traditional route. It can be a longer and more competitive process, but it puts you in direct contact with the people who will represent and sell your book. A strong query and sample can open doors just as much as a contest win.

So what’s better? It depends on your goals. If you want feedback, structure, and a shot at recognition, contests are a great place to start. If your manuscript is polished and you're ready to enter the publishing world head-on, querying agents might be the next step. The truth is, many successful authors do both. Contests can build your momentum before you hit send on those query emails.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best writing can fall flat in a contest if you overlook a few key things. Here are some common slip-ups that can hurt your chances:

Rushing Your Submission

It's tempting to submit as soon as you hit “The End,” but don’t. Take the time to revise, proofread, and polish. Contest judges can spot a rushed draft from a mile away.

Ignoring Formatting Instructions

Every contest has its own rules about font, spacing, file type, and more. Ignoring these may lead to disqualification, no matter how good your writing is. Always read the fine print.

Paying High Fees Without Researching

Entry fees aren’t unusual, but not all contests are created equal. Look up reviews, past winners, and the organization running the contest before spending your money.

Entering Contests That Don’t Suit Your Book

Make sure your novel fits the contest’s genre, theme, and audience. If your story doesn’t align, it’s better to wait for a better match than to submit just for the sake of it.

Fuel Your Best Writing with Freewrite, Contest or Not

Let’s face it, writing a novel is hard enough without constant distractions pulling us away from the page. That’s exactly why we createdFreewrite. We wanted a tool that would let writers dive deep into their thoughts without the buzz of notifications, open tabs, or the urge to check email "just for a second." Freewrite is built to help you focus purely on the words, making it the perfect companion when you're working toward a deadline or prepping a submission for a novel writing contest.

We designed Freewrite with contests in mind. Whether you're racing to finish your manuscript or polishing up your opening chapter, our distraction-free devices give you the space to write with clarity and purpose. No apps, no web browser, just you and your story. When you're aiming for that top prize or trying to make your submission stand out, Freewrite helps you stay in the zone, because your best writing comes when you’re fully focused.

Smart Typewriter

Smart Typewriter is our full size drafting device for writers who want laser focus without giving up comfort. The front-lit E Ink screen is gentle on your eyes, the mechanical keyboard feels fantastic, and everything you write backs up to the cloud automatically. Pick it up by the retractable handle, find a quiet spot, and let the words flow.

What Makes It Different

• Full size mechanical keyboard with Kailh Box Brown switches for satisfying key feel

• Front-lit E Ink display that stays readable indoors, outdoors, day, or night

• Durable all-aluminum body with a built in carry handle for easy moves around the house or café

• Automatic cloud syncing to Postbox, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Evernote

• Supports 60+ languages and layouts so you can draft in whatever language feels right

Wordrunner

Wordrunner is the first mechanical keyboard built from the ground up for writers, not gamers. Its 8-digit real time Wordometer keeps your momentum visible, while the built in sprint timer nudges you to hit daily goals. With an all aluminum chassis and tactile switches, it turns any computer, tablet, or phone into a focused writing station.

What Makes It Different

• Wordometer shows session, project, or lifetime word counts even when the keyboard is off

• Integrated sprint timer helps you stay on task without leaving the keys

• Aluminum body and gasket mount design give a solid, premium typing feel

• Custom function row plus three programmable macro keys tailored to writing shortcuts

• Wired USB-C or multi device Bluetooth lets you switch between up to four devices instantly

Alpha Raven Black With Backlight

Alpha is a lightweight, travel friendly drafting tool that slips into a bag and disappears until inspiration strikes. The warm backlit LCD shows just a few lines of text, keeping your focus on the next sentence instead of endless scrolling. Type for days on a single charge, then sync your drafts to the cloud whenever you hit Wi-Fi.

What Makes It Different

• Weighs only 1.6 lbs and is thinner than most paperback novels

• Warm five level backlight paired with an instant refresh anti glare LCD screen

• Low profile Kailh Choc V2 switches reduce finger fatigue during long sessions

• 100 hour battery life means you can draft for weeks between charges

• Kickstand and integrated palm rest let you type comfortably at a desk or in your lap

Conclusion

Writing contests can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Whether you're chasing a publishing deal, looking for feedback, or simply wanting the motivation of a hard deadline, there's a contest out there for you. The key is to pick the ones that fit your story, your goals, and your stage in the writing journey. With the right mindset and a little planning, these contests can be more than just opportunities, they can be stepping stones to your next big break. So polish that draft, hit submit, and go for it. You never know where it might lead.

Frequently Asked Questions