For writers everywhere
We are committed to discovering new writers in poetry, short story, flash fiction, the novel and memoir. Our alumni reads 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. Our patron is Kit de Waal. We are a route to being published so send us your words and it could be your name up here next year.
Poetry, short story, flash, novel?
Our competition is now OPEN!
Deadline 31 MAY 2025, midnight UK time.
For inspiration, read previous winners in our latest anthologies available from our online shop.
NEW £500 Never Too Late Award
For writers 60+
Our new award unlocks the hidden talent of older writers who often struggle to be seen, despite a wealth of experience, creativity and stories to tell. This award is championed by best selling author Kit de Waal who found stellar success later in life and London Literary Agency, AM Heath. Find out more here.
Memoir
Our memoir competition is now closed for submissions. Please head over to our Writer’s Room to discover all key dates.
Bursaries
Our short story, novel, poetry and flash fiction bursaries give free entry to the competition. They OPEN 10 February 2025 and CLOSE 15 April 2025. Head over to the Writer’s Room for more information (application link will work once bursaries open).
AI statement
Entries must be entirely original work, written solely by the submitter. Work must not be produced or edited by Chat GPT or any other AI creation tool.