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Novel Prize 2026 – Entry Form

New Writers Novel Prize 2026

in association with The Novel Factory

The Novel Factory AI-Free book writing software

Every great novel or novella begins with a captivating opening. Whether it’s a fantastic first line, an intriguing character who draws you in or a nagging question that demands an answer, those first few hundred words are what persuade readers to keep turning pages.

Enter the first 500 words of your unpublished novel or novella, and if you can grab and hold the judges’ attention and imagination, you could be one of our winners.

Novel Prize Entry Instructions

  1. Entries must be received by 23.59 (UK time) on Saturday, 31st October 2026.
  2. Make your payment through PayPal (using the button/link below) corresponding to the number of entries you wish to submit (£12 for one, £22 for two, £31 for three).
  3. Make a note of your PayPal Transaction ID (this should also be emailed to you). After payment, it will redirect you back to this page.
  4. Fill in your PayPal Transaction ID (if you cannot find your PayPal ID, just use your email address in this box), your name, your email address, pen name/alias (optional), and the entry title(s) in the Entry Form below.
  5. Upload each entry separately by clicking ‘Choose File’, ensuring it is in one of the supported file types (Microsoft Word Document or PDF). If you want to replace the file, click the red cross (the red cross does not signify an error; it just shows the file is attached).
  6. Read the Competition Rules, Terms & Conditions and tick the box to confirm you have done so and that you agree to them.
  7. Tick the box to confirm you have NOT used AI or similar when writing your entries.
  8. Tick the box to sign up for our monthly newsletter (optional).
  9. Once you have submitted the form, your entries will be sent to the judges at NewWriters.org.uk.
  10. You should receive two confirmation emails: one from PayPal confirming your payment and one from New Writers confirming receipt of your entries.
  11. If you do not receive a confirmation email from NewWriters.org.uk within 24 hours (and it’s not in your spam folder), please drop us an email: david@newwriters.org.uk.

Make your payment of £12, £22 or £31 through PayPal, then submit your entry or entries:

Pay With PayPal - New Writers Novel Prize 2026
Click the image above or use THIS LINK

New Writers Novel Prize 2026 – Entry Form


New Writers Novel Prize 2026 – At A Glance:

  • Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on Saturday, 31st October 2026
  • Entry Fee: £12 (one entry), £22 (two entries), £31 (three entries)
  • Prizes: 1st: £1,000 + Lifetime Access to The Novel Factory (Version 3); 2nd: £300 + 12-month Standard Subscription to The Novel Factory; 3rd: £200 + 12-month Basic Subscription to The Novel Factory;
  • All entrants: 30% discount off The Novel Factory writing software (Version 3, annual or lifetime subscriptions)
  • Head Judge: Katja Kaine, award-winning author and founder of The Novel Factory
  • Publication: The three winning entries will be published on the NewWriters.org.uk website and in the New Writers Anthology
  • Word Limit: The opening 500 words of your unpublished novel or novella
  • Eligibility: Open to writers aged 18+ from anywhere in the world; entries must be written in English
  • Theme/Genre: Open to any theme or genre of novels or novellas written for adults or young adults
  • Charity: 10% of entry fee proceeds will be donated to charity, split equally between First Story and The Funzi & Bodo Trust
  • Please read the full Competition Terms & Conditions before entering
  • Winners will be notified by email no later than Friday 18th December 2026. The public announcement of winners and shortlisted entries will also be made by that date.

We want to make the competition accessible to as many writers as possible. We therefore have a limited number of free entries for low-income writers, available on a first-come, first-served basis (although no later than 22nd October 2026). Please see the terms and conditions for details.

*Note: if you click through to The Novel Factory site and purchase the software, they will give New Writers UK a small commission.

Please be aware that failure to follow the submission instructions or the terms and conditions will result in your entry being disqualified and no refund will be issued, so please take care. Good luck!