New Competition Offers £75,000 to Emerging Writers

London, England – The Novelry, an online fiction writing school, has launched a new competition called The Next Big Story, offering £75,000 to aspiring writers. This initiative seeks entries from those ‘historically overlooked by the publishing industry’ and invites participants to submit just the first three pages of their novels.

Celebrity judges for the competition include actor Emma Roberts, author Julia Quinn, and Booker Prize winner Yann Martel. Roberts, co-founder of the Belletrist book club, emphasized the importance of storytelling: “There’s nothing more euphoric than being immersed in the world of a good book and to get lost in the words of a brilliant author,” she said.

Martel added, “We all need stories to make the world new, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s out there.” Beyond the cash prize, The Novelry will support the winning writer for a year to develop their manuscript into a full book.

The organizers aim to encourage all aspiring writers, including those who may not ordinarily participate due to time, financial constraints, or past neglect by the publishing world. Founder Louise Dean remarked, “So many self-exclude and find it hard to get the nerve to even try their hand. We want to change that.”

Other notable judges include Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage, Zosia Mamet, podcasters Zibby Owens and Jackie Oshry, author Carley Fortune, and influencers Brady Lockerby and Kimmy Nwokorie. Jones expressed excitement about the competition, stating, “Somewhere out there is a writer whose life is about to change. I can’t wait to meet them – and their work.”

Writers from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia can submit their entries until July 31. Each submission costs £15, and there is no limit on how many times a writer can enter. A shortlist will be selected by The Novelry and put to a public vote starting September 28. The panel will announce the winner on October 12. The prize is funded by The Novelry.