CRAFT 2025 First Chapters Contest

The First Chapters Contest is open to all fiction writers; CRAFT is a market for adult literary fiction. Submit the first chapter or chapters of your unpublished novels/novella, up to 5,000 words.

International submissions are welcome. Work must be written in English.

Prizes

• First place will receive $2,000 and a full manuscript critique of the novel or novella, up to 100K words. Second and third place will receive $500 and $300, respectively.
• First, second, and third place will receive an agent query workshop by Annalise Errico of Ladderbird Literary Agency—Annalise will offer feedback on the first 5,000 words of the project.
• The top three excerpts will be published in CRAFT, each with an introduction by Guest Judge Alejandro Heredia.
• Each publication will include an author’s note (craft essay) written by the winning writers.

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.