January, 2026

Event Details
Fiction Factory is accepting submissions for their First Chapter of a Novel + Synopsis Competition. Have you completed the first draft of your novel? Are you ready to pass it on
Event Details
Fiction Factory is accepting submissions for their First Chapter of a Novel + Synopsis Competition.
Have you completed the first draft of your novel? Are you ready to pass it on to a fresh pair of eyes, to see if you are on the right track? Is your all-important first chapter ready for submission to an agent? If the answer is yes, this event is for you.
The winning entry will be read by literary agent Joanna Swainson of the Hardman & Swainson Agency. The judge is looking for originality and distinctive voices, and for complex, larger-than-life characters and stories that will stay with the reader forever.
First Prize: £500. All shortlisted entrants will receive a free appraisal.
Results of the competition will be announced in April, 2026.
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.
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