First Novel Award 2026

The BPA First Novel Award is run by Blue Pencil Agency, a UK-based literary consultancy, and is open to unrepresented and unpublished writers of adult fiction worldwide. The competition invites writers to submit the opening chapter or chapters of a completed or near-completed novel in any adult fiction genre (excluding children’s fiction and non-fiction; YA with adult crossover is permitted).

Entrants submit up to 5,000 words of their opening, a 300-word synopsis, and a covering letter. The manuscript must be completed or close to completion, with a minimum of 60,000 words written. Shortlisted writers are asked to submit up to 20,000 words in a second round. Entries must be written in English and submitted online. Self-published authors and writers who have been longlisted or shortlisted in other competitions are eligible to enter.

The 2026 competition is judged by literary agent Olivia Maidment (Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency) and author Freya Bromley. A new “Bookseller’s Choice Award” has been added this year, selected by the owner of Bàrd Books in East London. Additional prizes include £500 and an agent introduction for the runner-up, and a £250 Most Promising Talent Award. A minimum of 20 free entries are available for UK-based writers on low incomes or from under-represented backgrounds.

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.