The Global
Novel Writing Competition
OPEN FOR ENTRIES FOR 2023
Struggling to write your first novel? Tired of not knowing if your idea is any good, or how to tie up all those half-written chapters?
Well, we’ve got a solution for you. Enter the Writers College Global Novel Writing Competition.
We are searching the world for the next big thing in literary circles, and it could be YOU. Regardless of where you live in the world, you can enter. The winner receives up to 24 months of mentoring with an award-winning author to the value of $4000.00.
To enter, submit a novel proposal in any genre.
We are looking for a writer:
- with a fresh voice and style,
- a publishable concept,
- who is passionate about writing,
- with excellent grammar and punctuation skills,
- who wants professional mentoring to create a polished, finished, publishable novel.
PRIZES:
First Prize: Win the full Write a Novel Course and Advanced Novel Course (value $4000; 24 months of mentoring with an award-winning writer up to 70 000 words)
Second Prize: Win the Write a Novel Course (value $1695; 12 months of mentoring with an award-winning writer up to 25 000 words)
Third Prize: Win a critique of an instalment of your novel (10 000 words) to the value of $1000.
Congratulations to our shortlisted aspirant novelists!
We are absolutely delighted with the calibre of the entries in our Global Novel Writing Competition. We have managed to agree on our shortlist amid tight competition among the front-runners.
Their submitted manuscript excerpts are intriguing, well written and potentially marketable.
In no particular order, our shortlisted writers are:
Guns of Dogma – by Kim Chaunter
Elicia – by Dorothea Saputo
Strange Bird – by Justine Loots
Taint the Innocent – By Adele Anderson
A Muddy Fairytale – by Diane Cursons
Paralleled Lives – by Venisa Chinnasamy
Rain Storm – by Petronella Wagner
Our judges are currently finalising their choices for the top three places. See you on 30 September for the exciting final placement announcement.
A big well done to everyone who entered. Preparing a proposal is no small feat, and you did so well. We hope you enter again in 2023.
PRIZES:
- First Prize: Win the full Write a Novel Course (value $4000; 24 months of mentoring with an award-winning writer up to 70 000 words)
- Second Prize: Win the part Write a Novel Course (value $1695; 12 months of mentoring with an award-winning writer up to 25 000 words)
- Third Prize: Win the part Write a Novel Course (value $1695; 12 months of mentoring with an award-winning writer up to 25 000 words)
THE WINNERS
We are thrilled to announce our winners for the Writers College 2022 Novel Writing Competition.
The winning novel manuscripts were original, bold and gritty.
We’re proud to award the three finalists mentorships at the Writers College where they will be complete and polish their manuscripts under the supervision of award-winning authors.
FIRST PLACE:
Strange Bird by Justine Loots
RUNNER-UP:
Taint the Innocent by A. D. Anderson
THIRD PLACE:
Elicia by Dorotea Saputo
In fourth place is A Muddy Fairy Tale, written by Diane Cursons, and fifth place is awarded to Kim Chaunter for Guns of Dogma.
Congratulations on a magnificent achievement.
Read the judges’ comments on the top three stories below.
A special word of thanks to our short story judges: Sonny Whitelaw, Alex Smith, Fiona Ingram and Andrew Salomon.
The judges’ ratings and comments for the top three stories
First Place
Strange Bird
by Justine Loots
Judges’ comments
- A powerful storytelling premise and equally powerful characters and execution, apart from two issues. Both are easily corrected, and both are essential in improving its marketability. 1: Shifting points of view from omniscient to limited third person within the one scene. Whose story is this about? 2: Incorrect verb tenses in places. This make it hard to understand whether events are in the past or present, so the reader’s attention is taken from being immersed in the ‘story’ to going back over texts to locate themselves in time. Both issues are easily rectified with a bit of assistance. Otherwise, an intriguing psychological journey into a post-apocalyptic world. I really like the fact that the author did not belabour the details of the simple premise, one that has broad appeal in the current global zeitgeist. Sonny Whitelaw
- A lyrical and vivid writing style and layered concept with thought-provoking themes make this more a work of literary than commercial fiction. The fantastical location might make it harder to place this novel with a South African publisher, but if the author is able to convey her concept, which is almost fable-like, with power and impact then the novel may potentially follow in the footsteps of novels like “An Island” by Karen Jennings. Alex Smith
- This promises to be an intriguing novel – an appealingly curious meditation on memory and the power of language, that also shows strong potential to be an enthralling read. Andrew Salomon
- I loved this story! I found it mesmerizing and gripping. The writer has a lovely use of language in forming the concepts behind the plot. The events in the first few pages were shocking and dramatic and the mystery behind them kept me reading. The sense of dystopia is palpable and the line between reality and unreality is blurred in a feasible way. Excellent concept and execution thereof. Fiona Ingram
The Runner-up
Taint the Innocent
by A. D. Anderson
Judges’ comments
- The gritty realism of the characters in beautifully rendered settings, combined with the flow and pace of the opening events, draws the reader into what promises to be a powerful story. This will be a marketable story. The use of Te Reo does mean the audience is somewhat limited. A shifting point of view and the ending of the first chapter raises the question: whose story is this? The bulk of the chapter is about Keti and Rewi. The chapter ends without addressing the original premise, a raruraru between brothers, and introduces Meti, a lovechild, and ‘the old man’. That Jake is the ‘old man’ is only mentioned in passing early in the chapter, a clue easily overlooked. In sum, the writing style is superb, and the story potential is incredible. Packing a bit too much into one chapter is a common error. Given the existing skills of the writer, I’m confident they could readily benefit from understanding scene and story structure as well as point of view. Sonny Whitelaw
- Richly evocative. Very clear and convincing characterisation. Brilliantly specific detailing brings characters and place to life. The impact of the death of a parent is a powerfully resonant theme, taken with the good writing and memorably created local setting, this novel could be of definite interest to a New Zealand-based publisher. Alex Smith
- A powerful sense of a novel wherein local customs and language combine to create a very definite sense of place as a character in its own right. A convincing impression of how a character’s evolution to ultimately accept responsibility is a hard-won process. Andrew Salomon
- I am not a fan of memoirs, but this writer has most successfully created a style that makes the facts read like fiction. Raw, real, gritty, honest, and rough in places. The language suits the style and vividly depicts the people, places, lifestyle, setting and values. One can imagine meeting these characters because they are real people and lived real lives. I found myself reading on and on. Fiona Ingram
Third Place
Elicia
by Dorotea Saputo
Judges’ comments
- Very well written with a great opening introduction to Elicia, a self-absorbed angry teenager with an (un)healthy dose of sibling rivalry and unfortunately accurate insight into her parents’ relationship with one another and their children. Yet for all her angst, Elicia is likeable because she is the underdog, the victim. We want her to succeed in her quest, so the reader immediately makes an emotional investment in the story: will Elicia succeed? Elicia’s point of view shifts between third person omniscient and third person limited, as if the writer it not entirely sure they want to tell the story about Elicia, or have Elicia tell her own story. This is also apparent in the use of language: Elicia’s narrative voice is more sophisticated and insightful than a teenager. This can be explained by her excellent school grades. But using less sophisticated Latinate words and instead simpler Anglo-Saxon words and maintaining a single point of view throughout would improve this story. Sonny Whitelaw
- Elicia promises to be a charming character. The impact of a grandparent’s death on a child is an intriguing concept; the premise of the story is good. The story fits the Young Adult genre and marketing category and there are some vivid details that make the unfolding story accessible to a contemporary audience. Could potentially be suitable for a UK-based publisher. Alex Smith
- An unusual premise that shows potential, and that will require careful planning to avoid feeling convoluted and to sustain the reader’s interest. Andrew Salomon
- I liked this story the more I read. I feel the writer has successfully captured the dialogue/arguments/back and forth etc of a realistic family. Elicia comes across as a fully fleshed out young character and her little brother is hilarious, as are most little brothers. The writer introduces the death of the grandfather early enough to totally change the family’s life and I enjoyed this. I would be interested in reading the complete novel. Fiona Ingram
Deadline:
31 July 2023
Shortlist Announced:
31 August 2023
Winners Announced:
30 September 2023
THE JUDGES:
Fiona Ingram
Fiona Ingram [BA Hons (Natal), MA (Wits)] is a multi-award winning author of adult and children’s fiction. She has written eight historical romances (published by USA publisher Bublish), including Married at Midnight, The Wayward Miss Wainwright and Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball.
Her interest in myths and legends, ancient history and travel led to her writing the multi-award winning The Secret of the Sacred Scarab. This is the first instalment of her children’s adventure series, Chronicles of the Stone. Fiona has now completed Book Four in the series. Through her novels, she takes youngsters all over the world on amazing adventures.
She is also an animal rights advocate and writes animal rescue stories.
Fiona tutors the Write a Novel Course at the Writers College.
Andrew Salomon
Andrew Salomon is an award-winning author. His debut novel Tokoloshe Song was shortlisted for the Terry Pratchett First Novel Award.
Additionally, his short fiction has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. He has also received the PEN Literary Award for African Fiction and the Short.Sharp.Stories Award.
Andrew is the author of the young adult thrillers The Chrysalis and Wonderbear. His latest novel is the dark fantasy thriller The Equilibrist. He completed an MA at the Institute for Archaeology at University College London. Some of his most memorable experiences have been at rock painting and engraving sites in subterranean caves and shelters across the world. These often find their way into his fiction.
Andrew tutors the Write a Novel Course at the Writers College.
Sonny Whitelaw
Sonny Whitelaw has enjoyed a successful career as a writer for over 30 years. Her work as a photojournalist has appeared in dozens of international magazines, including ‘National Geographic’. She won a Draco Award for her first novel, ‘The Rhesus Factor’, and all eight of her novels, including five based on the television series ‘Stargate’, have been international bestsellers. A qualified adult educator with an MA in Creative Writing, Sonny taught writing courses to adults and teenagers in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. In 2008, she moved with her teenage son to a small lifestyle property in Oxford, Canterbury. When she’s not having an enormous amount of fun exploring the South Island, Sonny splits her time between researching and writing scientific reports, editing fiction and non-fiction manuscripts, and working on her own exciting young adult science fantasy series called ‘The Runes of Creation’.
Sonny tutors the Write a Novel Course at the Writers College.
Alex Smith
Alex Smith is the author of two magic real novels Algeria’s way and Four Drunk Beauties, two YA fantasy novels, Agency Blue and Devilskein & Dearlove, a memoir, Drinking from the Dragon’s Well, about teaching English in Wuhan, China, and a series of middle grade novels translated into African languages and prescribed as set works in South African schools.
Her short stories have been published in journals and anthologies in the UK, South Africa, Ireland, Germany and Sweden. She has won the Nielsen Booksellers Choice Award and the Sanlam Youth Literature Award. Alex was shortlisted for The Caine Prize for African Writing, was a finalist in the NLDTF/PANSA Festival of Contemporary Theatre Readings and, on the recommendation of author Andre Brink, was a candidate in the Rolex Mentor & Protégé Arts Initiative.
Alex tutors the Write a Novel Course at the Writers College.
The Write a Novel Course
COMPETITION RULES:
- Entry is free.
- All submissions and enquiries can be sent to Nichola Meyer: Nichola@nzwriterscollege.co.nz
- The competition is open to any writer living anywhere in the world.
- Entrants must submit a full novel proposal. This includes a short cover letter in the body of the email, as well as one sample chapter in the body of the email. The cover letter can tell us a bit about your novel and you as the author.
- The proposal must be attached as one Word document or PDF, including the first three chapters (or up to 6000 words) of the novel, and a rough chapter synopsis of two to three pages briefly outlining the contents of the entire novel. As we teach you how to put together a professional proposal on the course, we aren’t evaluating the actual proposal, but rather, the quality of your novel and your writing. We don’t expect perfection; creating a strong proposal is something that we work on in our courses.
- Only one proposal per entrant is allowed.
- Entries can be in any genre (sci fi, spec fic, crime, romance, historical novel, humour, memoir, literary, etc).
- We only accept entries written in English.
- The competition closes at midnight on 31 July 2023. The longlist will be published by 31 August, and the winners announced and displayed on our website on 30 September 2023.
- Prizewinners will be notified via email as well as on our website; please ensure you supply a valid email address with your entry.
- Prizes will not be transferable into cash.
- Stories must not have been previously published. Entrants must own the copyright to the story submitted.
- Writers retain full copyright over their work.
- All entries will be kept in the strictest confidence and deleted once the competition is over.
- The judges’ decision is final; no disputes will be entered into.
- If your entry has not been acknowledged within three working days, please contact us as your email may have got lost in transit.
- Absolutely no generative AI to be used (ChatGPT etc.). If we deem stories were not written by a human they will be excluded, and the author banned from entering all further competitions with us.
- The Writers College reserves the right to extend the competition deadline or cancel the competition should the entries not be of publishable quality or up to the required standard.
SEE PAST WINNING ENTRIES HERE:
2022:
Strange Bird – by Justine Loots (First Place)
Taint the Innocent – by A.D. Anderson (Runner-Up)
Elicia – by Dorotea Saputo (Third Place)
2021:
Fracture – by Lynette Hagenson (First Place)
Mother of Exiles – by Jeffery Dingler (Runner-Up)
Morwong Island – by Juliet Wiseman (Third Place)
The Short Story Writing for Magazines Course
ENTRY FORMAT:
- Only e-mail submissions are acceptable. The cover letter and a sample chapter must appear in the body of the email. The proposal (first three chapters/6000 words and a chapter synopsis) must be attached as a Word or PDF document.
- Mark your email clearly with the subject line: Writers College Global Novel Writing Competition.
- Do not include your name on any page of your manuscript or chapter synopsis. All entries will be judged blind.
- Use a font such as Arial or Times New Roman, size 12 or more. Use 1.5 or double spacing between lines.
- Make sure your story has been edited and polished. Download Grammarly (the free or paid version) if you need extra help with grammar and punctuation.
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Struggling to write your first novel? Tired of not knowing if your idea’s any good, or how to tie up all those half-written chapters?
Well, we’ve got a solution for you.
The Writers College Global Novel Writing Competition is open for entries.
We are searching the world for the next big thing in literary circles! And it could be YOU.
Regardless of where you live in the world, you can enter. Win up to 24 months of mentoring with an award-winning writer to the value of $4000.00.
We are looking for a writer:
- with a fresh voice and style,
- a publishable novel concept,
- seriously passionate about writing,
- with excellent grammar and punctuation skills,
- who wants professional mentoring to create a polished, finished, publishable novel.
To enter, submit a short novel proposal in any genre before 31 July 2022.