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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for NewWriters.org.uk
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260514
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260716
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260512T134225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T100219Z
UID:9858-1778716800-1784159999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:New Writers Poetry Competition 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 15th July 2026\nEntry Fee: £10 per entry; (£18 for two entries\, £26 for three entries\, when submitted together)\nPrizes: 1st: £1\,000; 2nd to 5th: £100 each\nPublication: The five winning entries will be published on the NewWriters.org.uk website and in the next New Writers Anthology\nWord Limit: 42 lines (excluding title and line spaces)\nCharity: 10% of all proceeds will be donated to charity (split between Duchenne UK and the Funzi & Bodo Trust)\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: newwriters.org.uk/poetry-competition\n\nThe latest annual poetry competition run by NewWriters.org.uk\, the New Writers Poetry Competition 2026 is seeking fresh new poetry with no theme or style restrictions. It is open to poets from anywhere in the world.  \nWith a prize fund of £1\,400 and the winners getting published on the website and in the next New Writers Anthology\, this is a great competition for new and experienced poets to get their work out there. \nAlso\, 10% of the proceeds from this competition will be donated to charity\, split between two UK-registered charities: Duchenne UK (who seek treatments and a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and The Funzi and Bodo Trust (who run educational and other developmental projects in Kenya). Your entry fee will contribute to these fantastic causes.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/new-writers-poetry-competition-2025/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/New-Writers-Poetry-Competition-Flyer-scaled-e1778752818106.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="New Writers UK":MAILTO:competitions@newwriters.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270201
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260203T140123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T100826Z
UID:13246-1778803200-1801439999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Story Glory Short Story Contest
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: Last day of each month\nEntry Fee: Free\nPrizes: A book or book voucher\nWord Limit: 300 to 1\,200 words\nCategory: Short Story Competitions / Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website:  storyglory.co.uk\n\nThe Story Glory Short Story Contest is a montly writing competition for fiction stories of between 300 and 1\,200 words. The theme varies each month\, it could be one word\, could be a title or a line of dialogue. The contest opens on the first of each month and closes on the final day of each month. The results will be announced by the 10th of the following month. \nIt is free to enter and the winner will win a book or a book voucher. Entrants must create a free account on the website to take part.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/story-glory-short-story-contest/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Story-Glory-e1770127191375.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20240319T145830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T093620Z
UID:1512-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bath Novel Award 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23:59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £33 (some sponsored places are available)\nPrizes: 1st Place: £5\,000 plus and a trophy; all shortlisted entrants win feedback on their full manuscript; online novel editing course (worth £1\,980) for one longlisted entrant\nWord Limit: Opening 5\,000 words plus one page synopsis\nJudge: Amanda Harris – Literary Agent\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website:  bathnovelaward.co.uk/the-bath-novel-award-international-writing-prize/\n\nThe Bath Novel Award has been running since 2013 and is one of the most prestigious novel competitions for unpublished authors in the UK (along with a handful of others including the Bridport Prize). And for 2025\, the top prize is once again a very tidy sum of £5\,000. \nEntries should include up to 5\,000 words of your novel along with a one-page synopsis. The entry fee of £33 is on the high side when it comes to writing competitions. But then the judges and readers need to assess 5\,000 words for each entry (rather than something like 300 for many flash fiction entries)\, so it is understandable. And the top prize of £5\,000 is also very nice indeed. There are also some sponsored entries for low income writers\, details of which can be found HERE.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bath-novel-award/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bath-Novel-Award-2026-e1775727318511.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20250225T184352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T095050Z
UID:9972-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Whispering Wisdom Poetry Prize
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 11.59 pm on Sunday 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: £5 per poem (additional entries £4 each)\nPrizes: 1st: £250\, 2nd: £50\, 3rd: £50\nWord Limit: Up to 40 lines (excluding title and line breaks)\nJudges: Whispering Wisdom and Award-winning Poet and Screenwriter\, Peter Devonald and Whispering Wisdom Founder\, Chris Allen\nTheme: A theme of your choice\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCharity: 5% of profits will be shared between our two chosen charities for 2025/26 – Sarcoidosis UK and Narcolepsy UK.\nCompetition Website: whisperingwisdom.co.uk/competitions\n\nThe Whispering Wisdom Poetry Prize is open for entries and is seeking poems on the theme of your choice. The top prize is £250 and 5% of the profits from the competition will be split between two excellent charities. In addition to the top prize\, there are additional £50 prizes for second and third place. \nAll entries will be judged blindly\, based on creativity\, resonance\, and technical craft. Chris Allen\, founder of  Whispering Wisdom\, will be joined by award-winning poet and screenwriter Peter Devonald on the judging panel. Winners will be announced on Friday 14th August 2026. Check out the competition website for further information.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/whispering-wisdom-poetry-prize/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Whispering-Wisdom-Poetry-Prize.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20251007T102106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T093908Z
UID:11568-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Frogmore Poetry Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 on Sunday 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £4 per poem\nPrizes: First prize: 250 guineas (£262.50) + 2-year subscription to The Frogmore Papers. Runners-up: 75\, 50 guineas + one-year subscriptions\nWord Limit: 40 lines\nTheme/Genre: Any\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: frogmorepress.co.uk/frogmore-poetry-prize\n\nThe Frogmore Poetry Prize was founded in 1987 and will be awarded for the 40th time in 2026. Previous winners include Sharon Black\, Tobias Hill\, Mario Petrucci and Emily Wills.  \nAll shortlisted poems will be published in the 108th edition of The Frogmore Papers in September 2026. The 40th Frogmore Prize will be adjudicated by poet and publisher Mike Barlow\, a previous winner of the National Poetry Competition\, who will read all entries. \nRead the full rules and entry details on the competition website.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/frogmore-poetry-prize/
LOCATION:VirtualLocation
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pexels-leah-kelley-952594-e1710765926792.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20251018T091438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T124723Z
UID:3669-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bridport Prize - Flash Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £12 per entry\nPrizes: First prize: £1\,000; second prize: £500; third prize: £250; highly commended: 5 x £100\nWord Limit: 250 words (no minimum\, title not included in the word count)\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: bridportprize.org.uk/the-competition/flash-fiction/\n\nCompetition Details\nThe Bridport Flash Fiction Prize is perfect for those who enjoy (and excel at) writing within very tight word limits. The prestige of the Bridport Prize means that winning any of their prizes can make agents\, editors and publishers take notice. \nThe 250-word limit means you have to get to the heart of your story from the opening line\, but if you can hook the judges instantly\, you could be in with a decent chance of success. \nThe following additional prizes may also apply to entrants who fit certain criteria: \nYoung Writer Award £500 – For the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. \nNever Too Late Award – This £500 award is given to the highest placed writer aged 60+ in Poetry\, Short Story\, Novel and Flash Fiction. The winning piece will feature in our anthology\, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public. \nDorset Award £100 – Given to the highest placed Dorset writer in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. Sponsored by The Bookshop\, Bridport.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bridport-prize-flash-fiction/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bridport-Prize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20251019T102308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T101429Z
UID:1328-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bridport Prize 2026 - Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £26 per entry\nPrizes: First prize: £1\,500; second prize: £750; three further prizes of £150; plus publication and manuscript/extract appraisal\nWord Limit: 8\,000 words max (5\,000 minimum) plus 300-word synopsis. (Title not included in the word count.)\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website: bridportprize.org.uk/the-competition/novel-award\n\nCompetition Details\nThe Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award\, to give the Bridport Prize Novel Award’s official name\, is one of the most sought-after prizes in literature.  If ever there was a prize win on a CV to make an agent or publisher take note\, the Bridport is it. \nWhile the £1\,500 top prize is significantly less (and the £24 entry fee significantly more) than for the Short Story Prize\, the doors opened by a win or even a shortlist in the Peggy Chapman-Andrews makes it well worth entering. \nTo enter you need to submit an extract of between 5\,000 and 8\,000 words from the opening chapters of your novel\, plus a 300-word synopsis. If you make it to the longlist\, you’ll then need to submit 15\,000 words (including your initial submission); then if you make the shortlist you’ll need to send in a total of 30\,000 words. So\, if you fancy your chances of winning this one\, don’t enter unless you have made significant progress with your novel. \nAs well as the prizes mentioned above\, the top five entries will receive appraisal from The Literary Consultancy and the winner will also gain a consultation with literary agent A.M. Health and publisher Headline\, which could prove invaluable (though there are no promises you’ll get a publishing deal out of it!). \nThe following additional prizes may also apply to entrants who fit certain criteria: \nYoung Writer Award £500 – For the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. \nNever Too Late Award – This £500 award is given to the highest placed writer aged 60+ in Poetry\, Short Story\, Novel and Flash Fiction. The winning piece will feature in our anthology\, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public. \nDorset Award £100 – Given to the highest placed Dorset writer in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. Sponsored by The Bookshop\, Bridport.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bridport-prize-novel/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bridport-Prize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20251020T095120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T113021Z
UID:1172-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bridport Prize 2026 - Poetry
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £13 per entry\nPrizes: First prize: £5\,000; second prize: £1\,000; third prize: £500; highly commended: 10 x £100\nLine Limit: 42 lines (Not including title)\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: bridportprize.org.uk/the-competition/poetry\n\nCompetition Details\nThe Bridport Prize is one of the most prestigious (and lucrative) writing competitions around that is open to unpublished writers. The Bridport Prize for Poetry offers an amazing £5\,000 top prize\, but even making it onto the shortlist gives the poet an important addition to their CV. \nAt £13 per entry\, it’s not not bad value given the prize\, and if you are serious about your verse\, you might as well aim high. And if you win the Bridport Prize (in any category) it can garner a lot of attention and open plenty of doors. \nNote that the 42-line limit doesn’t include the title of the poem or lines between stanzas. Ensure you read the submission instructions carefully (for instance you need to add the line count to the entry and submit in 12pt\, black font). \nThe following additional prizes may also apply to entrants who fit certain criteria: \nYoung Writer Award £500 – For the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. \nNever Too Late Award – This £500 award is given to the highest placed writer aged 60+ in Poetry\, Short Story\, Novel and Flash Fiction. The winning piece will feature in our anthology\, which counts as being published and opens doors with literary agents and publishers. It also accesses other competitions not available to the public. \nDorset Award £100 – Given to the highest placed Dorset writer in poetry\, short story\, flash fiction and novel. Sponsored by The Bookshop\, Bridport.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bridport-prize-poetry/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bridport-Prize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260226T085339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T074150Z
UID:13367-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Reedsy Literary Prize
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (EST) on 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: $20\nPrizes: 1st place: $1\,500 + publication in Reedsy’s literary magazine Prompted + personalized feedback from the guest judge; 2nd place: a year-long Reedsy Learning membership; 3rd place: Reedsy Marketplace credit worth $100\nWord Limit: Each submission must be between 2\,000-5\,000 words\nPrompt: Write a story that includes change or transformation.\nCategory: Short Story Competitions\nCompetition Website: reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/reedsy-literary-prize/\n\nReedsy have been connecting authors with publishing professionals for more than a decade and now they’ve launched a new competition: the Reedsy Literary Prize. This competition asks participants to write a single short story\, in any genre\, based on a single prompt. \nAfter the competition closes\, longlisted entries will be assessed by a professional literary agent. The winner will receive $1\,500\, publication in Reedsy’s literary magazine Prompted\, and recognition across Reedsy’s platforms\, which host over 1 million monthly users. The inaugural Reedsy Literary Prize will be judged by Jon Michael Darga\, a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management. Jon represents a wide range of clients\, including bestselling authors such as Tim Curry and Geena Rocero. \nEligibility\n● Each submission must be between 2\,000-5\,000 words\n● Only one submission allowed per entrant\n● Writers must be aged 18 or over to enter\n● Submissions must be original\, standalone work. Artificial intelligence (AI) usage to create or revise stories will not be permitted.\n● Submission fee is $20 \nThe Reedsy website provides a wealth of useful information and resources for writers at various stages of their publishing journey. The editors at NewWriters.org.uk have long been admirers of Reedsy (and we feature them on our Resources page as a recommended site for writers). Whether you are seeking an editor to help shape your stories or an agent for your debut novel\, it’s worth checking out the information available at Reedsy’s site.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/reedsy-literary-prize/
CATEGORIES:Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/literary-prize-700x250-B.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260401T082347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T082617Z
UID:13774-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Hay Festival Room to Write
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 12pm (BST) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE\nEligibility: UK-based published writers of fiction or non-fiction or poetry (at least one book) aged 18+\nPrizes: Eight writers will each win an Airbnb coupon worth £1\,500\nWord Limit: Entrants must provide a description of their work (max 500 words)\, a short writing sample (max 500 words)\, and a brief writer biography (max 200 words)\nPrompt: Write a story that includes change or transformation.\nCategory: Short Story\, Flash Fiction\, Poetry\, Novel\, Non-Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: https://www.hayfestival.com/room-to-write\n\nIn the UK’s National Year of Reading\, Airbnb will partner with arts charity Hay Festival to launch Room to Write – a new writing award.\nRooted in Hay Festival’s commitment to nurturing contemporary writing and Airbnb’s mission to enable meaningful travel and connection\, Room to Write champions creativity and the importance of place and space in storytelling.\nDeveloped with Hay Festival to support writers at a critical stage in their career\, the Room to Write award recognises that time\, space\, and a change of environment are essential to fuel creativity and often inaccessible due to financial or personal constraints.\nOpen to UK-based writers\, the award offers eight recipients an Airbnb coupon worth £1\,500\, enabling them to stay in a UK location of their choosing to support focused writing.\nApplications for the award are open now here\, closing Sunday 31 May. See the website for detailed full terms and conditions.\nAn accompanying digital content series\, recorded at the Festival’s flagship UK edition\, 21–31 May\, will feature established writers sharing their top writing tips and reflections on the role of place in storytelling\, to engage a wider audience in creative inspiration.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/hay-festival-room-to-write/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Non-fiction Competitions,Novel Competitions,Poetry Competitions,Short Story Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Hay-Festival-Room-to-Write-e1775031953659.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260402T120945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T093608Z
UID:13791-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Stainsby Festival National Poetry Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £6 each or £10 for two\nPrizes: The winner will be invited to a paid residency at the 2027 festival; Three winning poems will be published online; Shortlisted poets will be invited to read their work at this year’s festival\nLine Limit: 42 lines (Not including title)\nHead Judge: Roger McGough\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: stainsbyfestival.org/poetry/\n\nStainsby Festival has announced its inaugural National Poetry Competition to be held at this year’s event. The festival has featured spoken word with previous performances by\, Longfella (aka the Manchester poet Tony Walsh)\, the former Derbyshire Poet Laureate Mat Black\, the Bard of Windmill Hill\, the stand up poet Live Torc\, as well as numerous aspiring local poets. \nThe new competition will be judged by legendary poet\, Roger McGough. The voice of poetry on Radio 4’s Poetry Please for over 25 years\, he’s known for his work nationally and internationally\, as well as being a bit famous in Liverpool. \nShortlisted poets will be invited to read their work (or have it read) at this year’s festival in Roger’s presence. Three winning poems will be published online and (possibly) in this year’s festival programme. The overall winner will be invited to a paid residency at the 2027 festival\, which is a fantastic opportunity for any aspiring poet.  \nThe organisers are seeking accessible poems on any subject (no\, it doesn’t have to be about festivals or music or gatherings) – so really\, any subject you choose but to a maximum of 42 lines. Please see the competition website for the full details.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/stainsby-festival-national-poetry-competition/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Stainsby-Festival-Poetry-Competition-e1775131478629.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260408T094256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T094256Z
UID:13849-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:Kirkstall Art Trail 2026 Poetry Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) on 31 May 2026\nEntry Fee: £4 each \nPrizes: National: £30; Local (Leeds postcode) £20\nLine Limit: 40 lines (Not including title)\nHead Judge: Kirkstall poet\, Jim Corah\nCategory: Poetry Competitions\nCompetition Website: kirkstallarttrail.co.uk/kirkstall-art-trail-2026-poetry-competition\n\nFor 2026\, Kirkstall Art Trail are launching their inaugural poetry competition with\, the surprisingly and appropriately named\, Kirkstall Art Trail Poetry Competition 2026.  \nWith two prizes\, one national and one local\, the organisers’ ambition is to produce a collection featuring the ten best submissions. The collection will be available for sale during the Kirkstall Art Trail weekend (18 and 19 July) and on their website. On Saturday\, 18 July\, there will be a spoken word event. To celebrate both the Poetry Competition and the Poetry Trail\, the organisers invite entrants to come along and read their poems. \nNote the 40-line limit (excluding the title) and the £4 entry fee. Full details can be found on the competition website.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/kirkstall-art-trail-poetry-competition/
CATEGORIES:Poetry Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Kirkstall-Art-Trail-Poetry-Competition-e1775641350280.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260413T095809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T142152Z
UID:1585-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:BPA First Novel Award 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: £25 (some free places are available to writers on low incomes)\nPrizes: Winner: £1\,500 + Agent Introduction; Runner up: £500 + Agent Introduction; Most Promising Talent: £250\nWord Limit: 5\,000 words plus a 300 word synopsis and a covering letter\nJudges: Olivia Maidment (Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency) and novelist Freya Bromley\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website:  bluepencilagency.com/blue-pencil-agency-annual-competitions/bpa-first-novel-award-2026\n\nThe BPA First Novel Award is run by the Blue Pencil Agency who offer a range of services for authors including manuscript assessment\, mentoring and copy editing. They also run events for writers. The winners of the competition will receive cash prizes (with £1\,500 to the winner)\, but arguably more valuable than the dish is the additional prize in each case: an introduction to a literary agent.  \nThe competition judges for 2026 are literary agent Olivia Maidment (Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency) and novelist Freya Bromley. \nNote that as well as submitting the opening chapter or chapters of your novel (up to a maximum of 5\,000 words)\, you should also include a 300-word synopsis and a covering letter – each on separate documents. As always with writing competitions\, ensure you check the submission information carefully and comply with spacing/font requirements. \nNote that there are at least 20 free entries available for low income writers\, details of which can be found on the competition page below the ‘How to submit’ section.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/bpa-first-novel-award/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://newwriters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Blue-Pencil-Agency-First-Novel-Award.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260416T141802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T141802Z
UID:13995-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:First Novel Prize 2026
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 23.59 (UK time) 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: £25 per entry\nPrizes: First prize: £1\,000; Shorlist Prize: £500\nWord Limit: 5\,000 words plus synopsis\nJudges: Hayley Steed (Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit UK)\, Sally Williamson (Editorial Director at Transworld)\nCategory: Novel Competitions\nCompetition Website: https://www.firstnovel.co.uk/\n\nIn its 11th consecutive year\, the First Novel Prize aims to discover an original new voice in fiction writing\, across the English language world. The 2026 edition of the First Novel Prize is now open for entries of up to 5\,000 words (plus a synopsis) of you novel.  \nThe competition features two excellent judges: Hayley Steed\, Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit UK\, one of the UK’s leading agencies\, and Sally Williamson. Editorial Director at Transworld\, part of Penguin Random House UK. Check out the competition website for the full details.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/first-novel-prize/
CATEGORIES:Novel Competitions
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260531T212134
CREATED:20260428T082017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T082017Z
UID:14258-1780185600-1780271999@newwriters.org.uk
SUMMARY:StorySloth Bloom Writing Competition
DESCRIPTION:Deadline: 31st May 2026\nEntry Fee: FREE to all registered StorySloth authors (free to sign up)\nPrizes: 1st Place: £50 Amazon voucher; Two runners-up: £25 Amazon voucher\nWord Limit: Any length\nTheme: Bloom\nCategory: Flash Fiction Competitions\nCompetition Website: storysloth.com/competitions/bloom\n\nStorySloth is a new home for original short fiction. Free to read\, and built around the idea that independent authors deserve real readers. \nTheir latest writing competition welcomes entries of any length on the theme of “Bloom”. Take that however you like. A first kiss\, a bruise\, a revolution\, a rumour\, a flower\, a fever\, a friendship that finally opens up after years of being closed. “Bloom” is deliberately open. \nTo enter\, you need to sign up (which is free)\, then publish your entry\, and if it wins\, you’ll walk away with a £50 Amazon voucher\, with £25 vouchers awarded to two runners-up.  \nNote that authors grant StorySloth a non-exclusive licence to display their work\, but retain full copyright ownership\, so you can publish your story elsewhere too. Check out the full details on the Story Sloth site.
URL:https://newwriters.org.uk/competition/storysloth-bloom/
CATEGORIES:Flash Fiction Competitions,Short Story Competitions
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