Q: Can I make changes after submission?
A: No. Once your entry has been submitted it cannot be edited. If you’d like to submit a revised version, you’ll need to enter it again and pay a new entry fee. You can withdraw your original submission through your Submittable account or, for postal entries, by emailing [email protected].
Q: Do you accept email attachments?
A: No. Entries must be submitted online or by post.
Q: An earlier version of my work was shortlisted in another competition but I’ve changed it. Can I submit it?
A: Previously shortlisted novels are eligible as long as they did not win a cash prize and no more than 8,000 words has previously been published online or in print. All other Novel Award eligibility requirements still apply.
Q: My work was long listed in another competition and published in an online anthology. Can I submit it?
A: Yes, as long as the novel did not win a cash prize and no more than 8,000 words has previously been published online or in print. All other Novel Award eligibility requirements still apply.
Q: Are simultaneous submissions to other competitions allowed?
A: Yes, but the novel becomes ineligible if it wins a prize elsewhere or is published before prize giving. Entry fees will not be refunded. You must inform Bridport Prize immediately if your entry is published or wins a prize elsewhere.
Q: How many pieces can I enter?
A: There’s no limit. You may enter as many novels as you wish. Each entry requires a separate entry fee.
Q: What about copyright?
A: Copyright remains with the author. Entrants grant Bridport Prize a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to publish extracts from longlisted novels in its anthology and in promotional materials relating to the competition.
Q: Must entries be unpublished?
A: The novel must be unpublished and not accepted for future publication, with exceptions for eligible self-published novels and ebooks. Self-published authors may submit self-published or new work as long as they do not have an agent and have not had a traditional publishing contract. Previously longlisted or shortlisted novels are eligible if they did not win a cash prize and no more than 8,000 words has previously been published online or in print. Please read the full Novel Award rules.
Q: Does the novel on my blog count as publication?
A: Work published on a blog is published online and must meet the Novel Award publication rules, including the exceptions for eligible self-published work and previously longlisted or shortlisted novels. Please read the full Novel Award rules.
Q: Are translations allowed?
A: An author’s translation of their own work into English is eligible but someone else’s or an AI translation of the work is not.
Q: My novel was previously published in another language. Can I submit it in translation?
A: An author’s translation into English of their own work is eligible if made solely by that author without AI assistance. The original work and its translation must also meet all Novel Award publication and eligibility requirements; self-published novels are eligible, but traditionally published novels are not.
Q: How do you sort entries if they’re anonymous?
A: Postal entries are coded then matched to an entry form once the judges have made their decision. Online entries are automatically tagged with a number connected to personal details.
Q: Can I use a pen name?
A: Yes. Submit your entry using your real name. If you’re shortlisted or win, we’ll ask which name you’d like us to publish.
Q: Can I re-submit the same novel I entered in last year’s competition?
A: Yes.
Q: I accidentally included my details on the novel. Will it be disqualified?
A: Yes. Entries must remain anonymous for judging. If you’ve included your name or other identifying information, you’ll need to submit a new entry.
Q: Are entries returned after judging?
A: No. Digital entries are securely deleted after judging, and postal entries are securely destroyed.
Q: When are winners notified?
A: The Novel Award longlist will be announced on 30 July 2027 and the shortlist on 26 August 2027. Shortlisted writers must submit a total of 30,000 words, including their synopsis and original submission, by 2 September 2027. The winner and runner-up will be informed in early October 2027. Full results will be announced and anthologies published on 16 October 2027. Some dates after the 31 May deadline may be subject to change.
Q: How do I get a postal entry form?
A: Download and print it from our website or email [email protected] to get one posted.
Q: What happens if I send my postal entry close to the deadline?
A: Entries postmarked on 31 May deadline date but arriving later will be accepted. Late entries are not.
Q: What if I forget to add a word count?
A: Don’t worry. We check if the work is long listed.
