Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize

The Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize is an annual competition organised by award-winning novelist and writing teacher Joan Dempsey, open to writers aged 18 and over who are working on an as-yet-unpublished novel. The prize aims to identify the best opening page of a novel-in-progress written in English, across any adult fiction genre including YA with adult readership (excluding middle-grade, younger fiction, and erotica).

Entrants submit only the first page of Chapter One.  There is no word count requirement; the page simply ends wherever it ends. Entries must be entirely the writer’s own original work. Writers may submit more than one entry, each paid for separately.

Submissions open on 16 June 2026 and close promptly at 5:00 PM ET on 16 July 2026. Three cash prizes are awarded: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third. Winning and honourable mention entries are published on the competition website, with copyright retained by the author.

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.