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The Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition is open to entries of debut novels until 14th September. It’s a great opportunity to skip the slush pile, but the entry fee is a little on the steep side in our view, especially given there’s no cash prize. On the other hand, previous winners have benefitted greatly, including Lauren Mackenzie who won in 2021 and said it changed her life.
If you are confident your debut novel is ready to present to potential agents, this could be a good option. In which case, you need to submit the opening 5,000 words and the synopsis. Be sure to read the full terms and conditions before you enter.
Key Dates
– Submissions, via Submittable, are open between Friday 1 August and Sunday 14 September at 11.59pm.
– 12 winners will be notified by The Phone Call on Friday 14 November 2025. The winners will be asked to send us 50,000 words of their manuscript as proof that it is completed before by 21 Nov.
– The Online Prep Day will take place on Friday 28 November 2025.
– The Pitch Days will take place on Thursday 4 December November and Friday 5 December 2025, a two-day hybrid event where the 12 International Debut Novel Competition winners will be given the opportunity to pitch their debut novels to national and international publishers and literary agents.
Details