The New Voices Award supports writers to develop an idea they've yet to commit to paper, or those in the very early stages of their work in progress. The Award provides mentorship and editorial guidance for aspiring authors and encourages entries from all writers, including those from underrepresented backgrounds with a new story to tell.

The prize is exclusively for unpublished writers. Writers must not be represented by a literary agent, or be under an existing or future contract to any publisher. The work submitted must not have been previously self-published, or have been published in full or in part through any publisher or other media.

To participate, writers must submit their opening three chapters totalling no more than 10,000 words and a full plot outline of no more than 1,000 words detailing where they imagine the story will go. The winners will be revealed in Autumn 2024.

The New Voices Award is sponsored and supported by Bonnier Books UK, the publisher of Wilbur Smith’s vast treasure trove of adventure fiction – including 2023's much-anticipated historical epic novels Nemesis and Testament. Bonnier Books UK provides funding and editorial feedback to the prize, seeking to empower upcoming writers and uncover the emerging stars of the genre.

Key Dates:

• January 1st: Entries open
• February 16th: Early-bird entries close
• April 30th: Entries close
• September: Winners announced

How To Apply

Submissions to the 2023 New Voices Award opened on January 1st 2024 and will close on April 30th 2024, at 23.59pm GMT.

• Read the Terms & Conditions to ensure you qualify for the Award
• Submit your first three chapters (not exceeding 10,000 words) plus a full plot outline detailing where you imagine the story will go (not exceeding 1,000 words), in double-spaced, font size 12
• Please do not submit the first three chapters of a manuscript you have already written. This award is designed to support you in developing a fledgling idea into a manuscript, reflecting on aspects such as structure, story arc and character development as you write
• There is an ‘early bird’ entry fee of £20 per submission, which is available until February 16th, 2024, 11.59pm GMT. After this date, the entry fee will be £30 per submission
• We are keen to encourage writers of all backgrounds and, as such, are offering fee waivers for authors who cannot make the financial commitments of entry. Each waiver will be allocated on a case-by-case basis. We do not ask for financial evidence, but instead ask you to explain why you are requesting it. Please email your request to [email protected]
• Entry closes on April 30th, 2024, 11.59pm GMT

Unfortunately, we cannot offer feedback to unsuccessful entrants.

Submit your entry via our online submissions platform, Submittable.