For writers everywhere
We are committed to discovering and championing new writers in poetry, short story, flash fiction, novel and memoir. Our alumni read like a Who’s Who of the literary world: Kate Atkinson MBE, Gail Honeyman and Kit de Waal. Judges have included Roger McGough, Monica Ali and Zoe Heller. Trust us with your words and it really could be your name up here next year.
Your words out there
It’s every writer’s dream, seeing your words on the page for others to read. We are a step on the road to making that happen. From our highly respected judges to our experienced partners, we do whatever we can to make your voice heard.
Poetry. 1st Prize £5,000
You don’t have to be Tennyson. Just talented.
Up to 42 lines.
Short story. 1st Prize £5,000
Quick to read, impossible to forget.
5,000 words or less.
Flash Fiction. 1st Prize £1,000
The art of just enough.
250 words or less.
Novel. Winner £1,500 plus package
The Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award.
8,000 words and a synopsis - initially.
Learn about Peggy Chapman Andrews here
Up to a year’s mentoring from The Literary Consultancy through their Chapter & Verse scheme (worth £2,640) and a detailed critique from the novel judge.
Runner-up £750 plus package
Full manuscript appraisal and Industry Day place from The Literary Consultancy.
Memoir. 1st Prize £1,500 plus package
Your own story. In your own words
5,000 to 8,000 words plus a 300 word overview - to begin with.
A year’s mentoring with The Literary Consultancy through their Chapter & Verse scheme (worth £2,640) and advice from an editor at John Murray (part of Hachette) plus you'll be offered the option of a discussion with the University of Exeter's Creative Writing Department.
Runner up £750 plus package
Full manuscript assessment by The Literary Consultancy with editorial feedback plus you'll be offered the option of a discussion with the University of Exeter's Creative Writing Department
Young Writer Award - £500
For the highest placed writer aged 16 to 25 in poetry, short story, flash fiction and novel.
Never Too Late Award - £500
This 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.
Dorset Award £100
Given to the highest placed Dorset writer in poetry, short story, flash fiction and novel.
Sponsored by The Bookshop, Bridport.
Poetry
£13 per entry
Deadline: 11:59pm UK time, 31 May 2026
Need to know
- Maximum 42 lines. No minimum length.
- Titles are not included in the line count.
- Dedications are not included in the line count.
- Blank lines between text or stanzas are not counted.
- You may submit multiple entries to the competition, provided each entry is paid for individually and includes a separate entry form.
Terms & Conditions
Need help?
If you have questions about Submittable or are experiencing technical difficulties submitting your work, help is available via Submittable Customer Support: https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/
Short Story
£15 per entry Deadline: 11:59pm UK time, 31 May 2026
Need to know
- Maximum 5,000 words. No minimum length.
- Titles are not included in the word count.
- You may submit multiple entries to the competition, provided each entry is paid for individually and includes a separate entry form.
Terms & Conditions
Need help?
If you have questions about Submittable or are experiencing technical difficulties submitting your work, help is available via Submittable Customer Support:
Flash Fiction
£12 per entry Deadline: 11:59pm UK time, 31 May 2026
Need to know
- Maximum 250 words. No minimum length.
- Titles are not included in the word count.
- You may submit multiple entries to the competition, provided each entry is paid for individually and includes a separate entry form.
Terms & Conditions
Bursaries available
We offer a robust bursary scheme for underrepresented writers. No proof of income is required. [Find out more here]
Need help?
If you have questions about Submittable or are experiencing technical difficulties submitting your work, help is available via Submittable Customer Support: https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/
Novel
£26 per entry
Deadline: 11:59pm UK time, 31 May 2026
Need to know
- Initial submissions must be between 5,000 and 8,000 words, taken from the opening chapter(s), plus a 300-word synopsis.
- Titles are not included in the word count.
- If you are longlisted, you will be required to submit 15,000 words in total for the next stage of the competition. This total includes your initial submission and synopsis.
- If you are shortlisted, you will be required to submit 30,000 words in total for the final stage of the judging process. This total includes the material submitted at the longlist stage.
- You may submit multiple entries to the competition, provided each entry is paid for individually and includes a separate entry form.
Terms & Conditions
Need help?
If you have questions about Submittable or are experiencing technical difficulties submitting your work, help is available via Submittable Customer Support: https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/