BPA's Annual Novel Writing Competitions
Our international writing competitions are open to unrepresented writers.
We host two annual writing competitions designed to discover and support emerging talent: The First Novel Award in the Spring, and The Pitch Prize in the Autumn.
We are based in the UK, but our contests are open to international authors worldwide. Both of our online writing competitions welcome original submissions of adult or YA crossover fiction. Each entry is carefully considered by our esteemed judging panel of literary agents, editors, and authors.
These competitions are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work, gain industry recognition and take a significant step toward securing agent representation. Whether you’re polishing your tenth manuscript or starting your first, we want to read your work. Enter — and see where it takes you.
First Novel Award
The BPA First Novel Award has been running since 2017.
To enter the Award, your novel must be completed or close to completion.
Your submission should include:
- The opening chapter or chapters up to 5000 words
- One page cover letter
- 300 word synopsis
Winners and runner ups win an agent introduction and cash prizes.
The competition is always judged by literary agents and an author. Previous literary agent judges include Eve White, Hellie Ogden, Madeleine Milburn, Nelle Andrew, Caroline Wood, Rowan Lawton and Marina de Pass.
Pitch Prize
The Pitch Prize has been running since 2019.
To enter the prize, the first 10,000 words must have been completed by the submission closing date.
Your submission needs to include:
- The opening 500 words of your novel
- 300 word synopsis
- Cover letter (with your pitch)
Up to ten entrants may win a one-to-one with the literary agent judge.
Previous judges include literary agents Katie Greenstreet, Nelle Andrew, Jane Finigan, Joanna Swainson, Hattie Grünewald and Millie Hoskins.
"Entering the Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award has taken my writing life to a higher level. Self-doubt had stopped me before but just submitting something I thought had potential gave me satisfaction. The excitement of reaching the long list was only tempered by the discipline of the next deadline but then surpassed by the thrill of seeing my name on the short list and finally achieving Highly Commended. I was astounded to hear that agent Nelle Andrew wanted to meet me and elated to then sign with Nelle and begin editing my debut novel. Without the fantastic opportunity the Award offered I would not be on course to achieve my dream so everyone at Blue Pencil has my gratitude."
We’re offering a minimum of 20 free entries for UK based writers on low incomes or from communities currently under-represented in publishing.
Applications will be reviewed and the most promising submissions will be selected by the BPA team.
Please click here to Contact BPA with your application and, if relevant, proof of financial eligibility such as: Jobseeker’s Allowance; Disability Benefit; Income Support; Working Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit; proof of being a full-time student; Housing Benefit; proof of being a full-time carer.
All details will be kept confidential.
Interview with Author Julia Kelly
How our 2021 First Novel Award Winner signed a six-figure book deal.
We caught up with Julia to congratulate her on her success and to ask some questions about the different stages that lead to publication, from winning a writing competition to celebrating her hardback release.
Showcasing Published Works
Book Covers of Our Competition Winners and Runner Ups
