MSLEXIA COMPETITION

Are you ready to change your writing life? Of all the women shortlisted in Mslexia’s novel competitions…

…50% had their shortlisted books published.

…80% signed with literary agents.

…100% said being shortlisted changed their writing career. 

Mslexia‘s brand new Women’s Fiction Awards are currently open for entries. There are four different categories and the rewards are better than ever, including generous cash prizes, publication, writing retreats, and personal introductions to agents and editors – plus career-enhancing manuscript feedback, pitch training and mentoring.

Previous finalists have gone on to secure agent representation and lucrative book deals, have had their stories broadcast on BBC Radio, and optioned for film, so being placed in this competition is a sure-fire way to get your writing noticed.

Children’s Novel (minimum 15,000 words) 

1st prize: £5,000 for women who have not yet had a novel published. The winner and four finalists will be offered manuscript feedback by The Literary Consultancy, as well as pitch training and introductions to literary agents and editors. 

Short Story (300–3,000 words)

1st prize: £5,000, plus publication in Mslexia magazine, along with three other finalists. The winner will also be offered a week-long writing retreat at Gladstone’s Library and mentoring by an editor at Virago Press. This augmented prize – one of the biggest in the UK for unpublished short stories – is made possible by funding by Arts Council England. 

NEW for 2018: Novella (10,000–40,000 words)

1st prize: £1,000 for women who have not yet had a novel published, plus co-publication by Mslexia and Galley Beggar Press. The winner will be offered manuscript feedback by The Literary Consultancy, as well as pitch training and introductions to literary agents and editors. 

Flash Fiction (100–300 words)

1st prize £500, plus publication in Mslexia magazine, along with three other finalists. 

The closing date for all competitions is 1 October, and you can find more information – and send in your entries – here.