New Writers Novel Prize 2026
in association with The Novel Factory
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Enter the first 500 words of your unpublished novel or novella, and if you can grab and hold the judges’ attention and imagination, you could be one of our winners.
*** The New Writers Novel Prize 2026 is now closed to entries. Thank you to everyone who entered. Judging is underway and the results will be published by 18th December 2026. ***
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- Word Limit: The opening 500 words of your unpublished novel or novella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!