This contest requires the first 10,000* words
of your novel.
*You may go over the 10,000-word limit to finish the scene or chapter. MAX LIMIT 11,000 words
Attach a title page:
Include ONLY this info:
- Novel title
- Genre
- Word count of full manuscript (A guess is OK.)
- E-mail address
Please do not put your name on your title page. The E-mail address will be removed before the manuscript is assigned, so it is OK if your name is in your address.
Formatting your manuscript:
- 12pt Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier font
- Indented paragraphs (.5 min indent)
- Page number with manuscript title
- Proper paragraph spacing with no extra space between. Paragraph blocks are OK for some non-fiction manuscripts.
(Under the styles tab, choose no spaces. For a sample of paragraph styles, click here.)
A few more things:
- Please do not include your name on the manuscript. Judges need to maintain total objectivity.
- You will be required to choose a category--Apprentice, Master, or Nonfiction. If you are not sure which to choose, read the first two questions in our contest FAQ.
- The upload link will not allow you to send PDFs.
- Please do not send your entire novel. The upload is limited to 350kb.
Upload your manuscript HERE
Cost for each submission:
Late entry: $40 in June
You will be redirected to Paypal after your upload is complete.
You Do Not have to have a PayPal account.
Use Paypal as a guest.
Manuscript scoring:
Four judges will score each novel in 18 areas.
The combined score from the judges will determine each novel's placement for the contest results.
The top three novels of the Master and non-fiction categories will then go on to the Agent round where they will be read by our guest judges, who will choose the winning novel.
Each agent will also give feedback to these lucky three novels.
The last two years, agents have requested to see more of some of these winners!
EVERY manuscript submitted will receive feedback
from the four judges assigned to it.
Results announced:
August 2015
NEW THIS YEAR:
Your scoresheets and feedback will be returned after all four judges have read your manuscript.
Final placement in the contest will be announced in August.
If you have not gotten your results by September, please contact us.
