The novel award has specific rules for this category detailed on the novel page.
Your entry must include a synopsis.
Please ensure you read the rules carefully before entering the competition. Entry implies acceptance of all the rules and failure to comply may result in disqualification.
IMPORTANT: All entries are judged anonymously. Please do not include your name, address, phone number, email, website, twitter handle etc on the document.
Disqualification
We disqualify entries if they are named, over the word limit or have no synopsis. If you forget to add the title or word count your entry will NOT be disqualified.
Length
8,000 words max, 5,000 minimum taken from the opening chapters. PLUS 300 word synopsis, which should form the first page/s of your entry.
Fees
£20 per novel. There is no limit to the number of novel submissions.
Submissions & synopsis
The first page/s of your entry must be a 300 word synopsis featuring a brief first paragraph summary then the synopsis. How To Write A Synopsis
Long listed entrants will be asked to submit 15,000 words for the next stage of the judging process. Entrants unable to comply will be disqualified.
Shortlisted entrants will be asked to submit 30,000 words for the final stage of the judging process. Entrants unable to comply will be disqualified.
Entries must be submitted online or by post. No email submissions. Entries must be typed in Arial 12 pt black font, double-spaced with numbered pages and the novel’s title on every page. Save as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) with the novel title as the file name. Please do not include your name in the file name. Max 2MB file. Include the word count for the synopsis and submission on the top right first page.
Entries must be in English.
- Do not add cover or title pages
- Do not send illustrated work
- No handwritten submissions
Postal entries
Postal entry forms can be downloaded from our website Please send one copy of your manuscript and a completed form. Amendments or substitutions cannot be made after submission. If you wish to correct errors, you must submit a new entry marked FINAL VERSION on the first page, enter again and pay the fee. No correspondence about amendments will be entered into. Entries cannot be returned. Please keep a copy. If you want to know your entry has arrived safely, please include a stamped self-addressed postcard with ACKNOWLEDGEMENT in the top left hand corner.
It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email.
Terms & Conditions
The novel must be unpublished and not accepted for future publication. Self published authors are welcome to submit self-published or new work as long as they do not have an agent and have not had a traditional publishing contract. The judging agent may contact long listed and shortlisted authors before the winner is announced
The Bridport Prize expects to be recognised in any published novels associated with us.
Any entrant found to be in contravention of the terms and conditions will be disqualified.
If you have a query about eligibility, please contact [email protected]
Judging
The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. The Bridport Prize reserves the right to change the judge without notice.
Copyright
Worldwide copyright remains with the author but the Bridport Prize has the unrestricted right to publish extracts from the twenty long listed novels in our anthology and any relevant promotional material.
The Bridport Prize reserves the right to amend these rules where it deems necessary. Any changes to the rules will be posted on our website.