US fiction writing school launches US$100k prize

New York-based online fiction writing school The Novelry has launched a US$100,000 (A$155,276) competition, called The Next Big Story.

Open to unrepresented adult writers residing in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, the competition is calling for submissions of the opening three pages (1500 words) of an unpublished English-language novel-length fiction project, which may be targeted at audiences of any age.

A judging panel comprised of Tayari Jones, Emma Roberts, Julia Quinn, Zosia Mamet, Zibby Owens, Kimmy Nwokorie, Jackie Oshry, Yann Martel, Brady Lockerby and Carley Fortune will review the shortlist and select a winner, guided by a public vote that will run from 28 September through to 5 October 2025. Shortlisted writers will receive a place in the organisation’s Finished Novel Course.

Entries close on 31 July, with the shortlist scheduled to be announced on 28 September. The winner will be announced on 12 October 2025.

More information about the prize and the writing school is available on The Novelry’s website.

Category: International news