November 1, 2026 6:18 pm – 6:18 pm
The Ascent Novel Prize is an international competition for unagented writers who have not yet accepted a traditional publishing deal. Open to adult novelists writing in English — including young adult fiction — it welcomes writers of all backgrounds worldwide, with additional highly commended awards reserved for entrants from under-represented areas of the publishing industry.
Entrants submit the first 3,000 words of their novel along with a one-line pitch and a one-page synopsis. All entries are judged anonymously, and the top 100 entrants are guaranteed a personalised paragraph of feedback from the judging panel. Every entrant also receives free access to a membership area featuring videos and craft training.
The prize opens for entries on 1 June and closes on 1 November. The top 100 are announced in December, the longlist in January, the shortlist on 1 February, and the winner on 1 March. Sponsored entry places are available for writers for whom the cost is a barrier, courtesy of independent bookshop Messrs Fletcher and Frost. Multiple entries are permitted, each requiring a separate fee.
Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.
FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.
