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A HEALTHY APPETITE is out now!

This month Katie shares her insights into writing a novel that crosses a few genres and found its perfect home with the incredible @deadinkbooks

A delightfully dark and ravenous tale of morality vs mortality, that asks what you'd sacrifice for your survival. Perfect for fans of Monika Kim and Sayaka Murata.

Hannah is dying for a cure.

After a decade subsumed by a cancer diagnosis, Hannah is now thirty, existing in a hinterland between life and death. Her boyfriend Scott has become more of a carer than a lover, and - with no job, no plans, and no more options - she has resigned herself to no future.

But then she's given the opportunity to join phase one of a clinical trial that might just save her. Almost immediately, she feels different; that evening, her appetite returns. And it keeps growing...

Now Hannah is hungry for life.

A committed vegetarian, Hannah suddenly finds herself craving meat - but her new hunger isn't limited to food. Now she wants everything. As new and suppressed desires surface she becomes reckless, destructive, and deceitful. It's the miracle drug she's been waiting for, but at what cost?

This unique addition to the Weird Girl Lit tradition brings readers face to face with the visceral terror of being trapped in a body that has turned against itself. In a world where women are rewarded for their restraint, A Healthy Appetite introduces us to a character whose insatiable hunger is as vital for survival as the blood that runs through her veins.

Subscribe to Conversations on Craft to never miss an episode. Our podcast demystifies the publishing process and dives deep on the craft of writing.

#podcastsonwriting #ahealthyappetite

A HEALTHY APPETITE is out now!

This month Katie shares her insights into writing a novel that crosses a few genres and found its perfect home with the incredible @deadinkbooks

A delightfully dark and ravenous tale of morality vs mortality, that asks what you'd sacrifice for your survival. Perfect for fans of Monika Kim and Sayaka Murata.

Hannah is dying for a cure.

After a decade subsumed by a cancer diagnosis, Hannah is now thirty, existing in a hinterland between life and death. Her boyfriend Scott has become more of a carer than a lover, and - with no job, no plans, and no more options - she has resigned herself to no future.

But then she's given the opportunity to join phase one of a clinical trial that might just save her. Almost immediately, she feels different; that evening, her appetite returns. And it keeps growing...

Now Hannah is hungry for life.

A committed vegetarian, Hannah suddenly finds herself craving meat - but her new hunger isn't limited to food. Now she wants everything. As new and suppressed desires surface she becomes reckless, destructive, and deceitful. It's the miracle drug she's been waiting for, but at what cost?

This unique addition to the Weird Girl Lit tradition brings readers face to face with the visceral terror of being trapped in a body that has turned against itself. In a world where women are rewarded for their restraint, A Healthy Appetite introduces us to a character whose insatiable hunger is as vital for survival as the blood that runs through her veins.

Subscribe to Conversations on Craft to never miss an episode. Our podcast demystifies the publishing process and dives deep on the craft of writing.

#podcastsonwriting #ahealthyappetite

Let people in....

Katie Huttlestone's debut, A HEALTHY APPETITE is out now. Check out the full interview at Conversations on Craft - we are available on Youtube, Apple and Spotify. Katie shares her writing journey, giving all writers an invaluable insight into her process and how she navigated her route to publication.

A Healthy Appetite is described as a delightfully dark and ravenous tale of morality vs mortality, that asks what you'd sacrifice for your survival. Perfect for fans of Monika Kim and Sayaka Murata.

Hannah is dying for a cure.

After a decade subsumed by a cancer diagnosis, Hannah is now thirty, existing in a hinterland between life and death. Her boyfriend Scott has become more of a carer than a lover, and - with no job, no plans, and no more options - she has resigned herself to no future.

But then she's given the opportunity to join phase one of a clinical trial that might just save her. Almost immediately, she feels different; that evening, her appetite returns. And it keeps growing...

Now Hannah is hungry for life.

A committed vegetarian, Hannah suddenly finds herself craving meat - but her new hunger isn't limited to food. Now she wants everything. As new and suppressed desires surface she becomes reckless, destructive, and deceitful. It's the miracle drug she's been waiting for, but at what cost?

This unique addition to the Weird Girl Lit tradition brings readers face to face with the visceral terror of being trapped in a body that has turned against itself. In a world where women are rewarded for their restraint, A Healthy Appetite introduces us to a character whose insatiable hunger is as vital for survival as the blood that runs through her veins.

#writingadvice #conversationsoncraft #writerlypodcast

Let people in....

Katie Huttlestone's debut, A HEALTHY APPETITE is out now. Check out the full interview at Conversations on Craft - we are available on Youtube, Apple and Spotify. Katie shares her writing journey, giving all writers an invaluable insight into her process and how she navigated her route to publication.

A Healthy Appetite is described as a delightfully dark and ravenous tale of morality vs mortality, that asks what you'd sacrifice for your survival. Perfect for fans of Monika Kim and Sayaka Murata.

Hannah is dying for a cure.

After a decade subsumed by a cancer diagnosis, Hannah is now thirty, existing in a hinterland between life and death. Her boyfriend Scott has become more of a carer than a lover, and - with no job, no plans, and no more options - she has resigned herself to no future.

But then she's given the opportunity to join phase one of a clinical trial that might just save her. Almost immediately, she feels different; that evening, her appetite returns. And it keeps growing...

Now Hannah is hungry for life.

A committed vegetarian, Hannah suddenly finds herself craving meat - but her new hunger isn't limited to food. Now she wants everything. As new and suppressed desires surface she becomes reckless, destructive, and deceitful. It's the miracle drug she's been waiting for, but at what cost?

This unique addition to the Weird Girl Lit tradition brings readers face to face with the visceral terror of being trapped in a body that has turned against itself. In a world where women are rewarded for their restraint, A Healthy Appetite introduces us to a character whose insatiable hunger is as vital for survival as the blood that runs through her veins.

#writingadvice #conversationsoncraft #writerlypodcast

What's the one thing about publishing which surpised you?

Follow our podcast for writers, CONVERSATIONS ON CRAFT for more.

Available on Youtube, Spotify and Apple, each month we discuss the craft of writing and demystify the publishing process.

#podcastsforwriters #writingcompetitions #writingadvice #conversationsoncraft

What's the one thing about publishing which surpised you?

Follow our podcast for writers, CONVERSATIONS ON CRAFT for more.

Available on Youtube, Spotify and Apple, each month we discuss the craft of writing and demystify the publishing process.

#podcastsforwriters #writingcompetitions #writingadvice #conversationsoncraft

Head to our website (link in bio) to view our Children's Book Prize Top 100.

From hundreds of international entries, these writers have successfully made our inaugural Children's Top 100.

A huge congratulations to everyone who entered. The quality of your stories and the power of your imaginations is something incredibly special.

To our Top 100, the team at Ascent wish you all the best going into the next round. And don't forget to celebrate this milestone!

Our Children's Book Prize longlist will be announced mid-September, with the overall winner being announced on the 1st December.

Our adult prize is now open for entries. Visit our website for our competition terms and to submit your entry. All it takes is your opening 3,000 words, a one-page synopsis and one-line pitch and you could win £1,000. Entry fee is £29 and our adult prize closes for judging on the 1st November.

#writingcompetition

Head to our website (link in bio) to view our Children's Book Prize Top 100.

From hundreds of international entries, these writers have successfully made our inaugural Children's Top 100.

A huge congratulations to everyone who entered. The quality of your stories and the power of your imaginations is something incredibly special.

To our Top 100, the team at Ascent wish you all the best going into the next round. And don't forget to celebrate this milestone!

Our Children's Book Prize longlist will be announced mid-September, with the overall winner being announced on the 1st December.

Our adult prize is now open for entries. Visit our website for our competition terms and to submit your entry. All it takes is your opening 3,000 words, a one-page synopsis and one-line pitch and you could win £1,000. Entry fee is £29 and our adult prize closes for judging on the 1st November.

#writingcompetition

Follow our podcast CONVERSATIONS ON CRAFT to hear more on the craft of writing and the publishing process.

Erica Li won Ascent Novel Prize 2025/26. Check out the full interview now.

#writingpodcast #writingcompetitions #conversationsoncraft #writingadvice

Follow our podcast CONVERSATIONS ON CRAFT to hear more on the craft of writing and the publishing process.

Erica Li won Ascent Novel Prize 2025/26. Check out the full interview now.

#writingpodcast #writingcompetitions #conversationsoncraft #writingadvice

We are open for entries.

If you're a crime or thriller writer, this year you have an extra opportunity to win. The T.M. Payne Crime Fiction Award is sponsored by @tmpayneauthor whose book ONE BAD DEED is out now.

To enter Ascent Novel Prize, visit our website (link in bio) and submit a one-line pitch, one-page synopsis and your opening 3,000 words. One talented winner will receive £1,000.

Our top 100 entries will receive a paragraph of personalised feedback from our team of industry professionals and every entrant will get access to a membership area for free.

Top scoring writers from underrepresented areas of the industry are prioritised for our highly commended awards. The entry fee is £29 and you are able to enter until midnight on the 1st November (GMT). For more information visit our prize terms and FAQs.

#writingcompetition #writingprize #crimewriter #thrillerwriter #ascentnovelprize

We are open for entries.

If you're a crime or thriller writer, this year you have an extra opportunity to win. The T.M. Payne Crime Fiction Award is sponsored by @tmpayneauthor whose book ONE BAD DEED is out now.

To enter Ascent Novel Prize, visit our website (link in bio) and submit a one-line pitch, one-page synopsis and your opening 3,000 words. One talented winner will receive £1,000.

Our top 100 entries will receive a paragraph of personalised feedback from our team of industry professionals and every entrant will get access to a membership area for free.

Top scoring writers from underrepresented areas of the industry are prioritised for our highly commended awards. The entry fee is £29 and you are able to enter until midnight on the 1st November (GMT). For more information visit our prize terms and FAQs.

#writingcompetition #writingprize #crimewriter #thrillerwriter #ascentnovelprize

Ascent Novel Prize 2026/27 is open for entries. Visit our website (link in bio) to enter.

This year, following the announcement of the winner, the highest scoring crime or thriller entry will win The T.M. Payne Award. This award includes a £500 prize plus a personalised paragraph of feedback from our judges.

T.M. Payne's new book ONE BAD DEED is available to purchase now. Tina and her wife Suzie are the most supportive people in the publishing industry you could wish to meet. If you want to study page-turning crime fiction, this is the book for you.

#writingcompetition #crimewriter #thrillerwriter #getpublished #findanagent

Ascent Novel Prize 2026/27 is open for entries. Visit our website (link in bio) to enter.

This year, following the announcement of the winner, the highest scoring crime or thriller entry will win The T.M. Payne Award. This award includes a £500 prize plus a personalised paragraph of feedback from our judges.

T.M. Payne's new book ONE BAD DEED is available to purchase now. Tina and her wife Suzie are the most supportive people in the publishing industry you could wish to meet. If you want to study page-turning crime fiction, this is the book for you.

#writingcompetition #crimewriter #thrillerwriter #getpublished #findanagent

Summer giveaway time!

Huge congratulations to @cm_henn_writer who has won our bookstack of: Story Genius by Lisa Cron; Save the Cat Write a YA Novel by Jessica Brody and Writing Young Adult Fiction by Juliette Mushens.

#ascentnovelprize #booksonwriting #writerlygiveaway

Summer giveaway time!

Huge congratulations to @cm_henn_writer who has won our bookstack of: Story Genius by Lisa Cron; Save the Cat Write a YA Novel by Jessica Brody and Writing Young Adult Fiction by Juliette Mushens.

#ascentnovelprize #booksonwriting #writerlygiveaway

We are now reading for Ascent Children's Book Prize 2026. To everyone who entered, thank you for trusting us with your words.

Our top 100 will be announced in August when we will send out the password to our membership area. The longlist will be announced in September and our shortlist will be announced in October. For key dates and to never miss an announcement, sign up to our newsletter online at: www.ascentnovelprize.com (link in bio)

Literary agent Hannah Sheppard will judge the winning entry, which will be announced on 1st December 2026. The winner will receive £1,000.

Our top 100 all receive a personalised paragraph of feedback from our readers. Following the announcement of the winner, the highest scoring entries from writers of underrepresented backgrounds will be awarded highly commended alongside any other highly ranked entry.

If you have any questions, please email info@ascentnovelprize.com and a member of our team will get back to you. In the meantime, follow our YouTube channel 'Conversations on Craft' for some inspiration or advice from industry professionals.

Best of luck everyone.

#writingcompetition

We are now reading for Ascent Children's Book Prize 2026. To everyone who entered, thank you for trusting us with your words.

Our top 100 will be announced in August when we will send out the password to our membership area. The longlist will be announced in September and our shortlist will be announced in October. For key dates and to never miss an announcement, sign up to our newsletter online at: www.ascentnovelprize.com (link in bio)

Literary agent Hannah Sheppard will judge the winning entry, which will be announced on 1st December 2026. The winner will receive £1,000.

Our top 100 all receive a personalised paragraph of feedback from our readers. Following the announcement of the winner, the highest scoring entries from writers of underrepresented backgrounds will be awarded highly commended alongside any other highly ranked entry.

If you have any questions, please email info@ascentnovelprize.com and a member of our team will get back to you. In the meantime, follow our YouTube channel 'Conversations on Craft' for some inspiration or advice from industry professionals.

Best of luck everyone.

#writingcompetition

ENTER ONLINE TODAY...

Ascent Children's Book Prize closes for judging at midnight on the 1st July. With only one day left to enter, visit our website to meet our team and find out more.

We accept picture and chapter books, middle-grade and young adult fiction. Each entry costs £29. Please note that if you are a picture book writer, you may submit up to three books on the same document. For graphic novels, please submit 10-15 pages in PDF format (keeping the file size as low as possible).

Judged by literary agent, Hannah Sheppard, the winner will receive £1,000. Our top 100 entries will receive a paragraph of feedback from one of our readers - who are all specialists in their age group. And last but not least, every entrant receives free access to our membership area.

Click on the link in our bio for more or visit: www.ascentnovelprize.com

We cannot wait to read your work...

#writingcompetitions #ascentnovelprize #getpublished #everystorycounts

ENTER ONLINE TODAY...

Ascent Children's Book Prize closes for judging at midnight on the 1st July. With only one day left to enter, visit our website to meet our team and find out more.

We accept picture and chapter books, middle-grade and young adult fiction. Each entry costs £29. Please note that if you are a picture book writer, you may submit up to three books on the same document. For graphic novels, please submit 10-15 pages in PDF format (keeping the file size as low as possible).

Judged by literary agent, Hannah Sheppard, the winner will receive £1,000. Our top 100 entries will receive a paragraph of feedback from one of our readers - who are all specialists in their age group. And last but not least, every entrant receives free access to our membership area.

Click on the link in our bio for more or visit: www.ascentnovelprize.com

We cannot wait to read your work...

#writingcompetitions #ascentnovelprize #getpublished #everystorycounts

LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES!

With 4 days to go before Ascent Children's Book Prize closes for judging, may we introduce Claire L Gordon!

Having won both 'The Rooker Prize' and 'Undiscovered Voices' within weeks of each other, Claire is no stranger to the joy of listing in a writing competition. Claire has written picture books, early chapter books and also middle-grade and she cannot wait to read your entries.

To enter before the 1st July simply click on the link in our bio and enter a one-line pitch, your synopsis and the opening of your work. Full details online.

Picture book writers may enter up to 3 texts on the same document. Illustrators or those with a graphic novel may submit 10-15 pages in PDF format (please keep file size to a minimum - low resolution is fine).

The winner receives £1,000 and every entrant gets a password to access Ascent Novel Prize's membership area. Entry costs £29 and is judged by literary agent, Hannah Sheppard. To meet our full reading team, head online.

#ascentnovelprize #writingcompetition #childrensbookwriter #YA #middlegradewriter

LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES!

With 4 days to go before Ascent Children's Book Prize closes for judging, may we introduce Claire L Gordon!

Having won both 'The Rooker Prize' and 'Undiscovered Voices' within weeks of each other, Claire is no stranger to the joy of listing in a writing competition. Claire has written picture books, early chapter books and also middle-grade and she cannot wait to read your entries.

To enter before the 1st July simply click on the link in our bio and enter a one-line pitch, your synopsis and the opening of your work. Full details online.

Picture book writers may enter up to 3 texts on the same document. Illustrators or those with a graphic novel may submit 10-15 pages in PDF format (please keep file size to a minimum - low resolution is fine).

The winner receives £1,000 and every entrant gets a password to access Ascent Novel Prize's membership area. Entry costs £29 and is judged by literary agent, Hannah Sheppard. To meet our full reading team, head online.

#ascentnovelprize #writingcompetition #childrensbookwriter #YA #middlegradewriter

June’s newsletter is out now!

With only 7 days left to enter Ascent Children’s Book Prize, be sure not to miss our new reader announcement, our podcast interview on finding what feeds your soul and a throw back to a blog post which celebrates the thrill of a last minute competition entry.

Subscribe by visiting our website. Link in bio.

#newsletter #ascentnovelprize #writingcompetition #childrensbookwriter #yawriter

June’s newsletter is out now!

With only 7 days left to enter Ascent Children’s Book Prize, be sure not to miss our new reader announcement, our podcast interview on finding what feeds your soul and a throw back to a blog post which celebrates the thrill of a last minute competition entry.

Subscribe by visiting our website. Link in bio.

#newsletter #ascentnovelprize #writingcompetition #childrensbookwriter #yawriter

One week to go before we close for judging!

Today, we hear from Ascent Novel Prize reader Adebola Rayo, author of 'Sleepy Guppy Says Bedtime Must Wait' and CEO of @taniseries

If you've ever faced self-doubt or wondered why your story matters, then this podcast is for you. Somewhere out there is a child who needs your story.

Follow 'Conversations on Craft' for more. And a huge thank you to @adebolarayo who was an inspiration to talk to. Rayo cannot wait to read your picture book entries. For those of you who illustrate as well as write, please upload a PDF document. Full details online. Link in bio.

#writingcompetition #writingadvice #podcastonwriting

One week to go before we close for judging!

Today, we hear from Ascent Novel Prize reader Adebola Rayo, author of 'Sleepy Guppy Says Bedtime Must Wait' and CEO of @taniseries

If you've ever faced self-doubt or wondered why your story matters, then this podcast is for you. Somewhere out there is a child who needs your story.

Follow 'Conversations on Craft' for more. And a huge thank you to @adebolarayo who was an inspiration to talk to. Rayo cannot wait to read your picture book entries. For those of you who illustrate as well as write, please upload a PDF document. Full details online. Link in bio.

#writingcompetition #writingadvice #podcastonwriting

Don't miss out on your chance to enter Ascent Children's Book Prize 2026!

There's only 2 weeks to go before our prize closes for judging. We can't wait to read your entries. Click on the link in our bio to meet our Children's Book Prize team and find out more.

All entries are submitted online where you will also find our terms and conditions. Entry costs £29 and our winner will be announced on the 1st December by literary agent, Hannah Sheppard. Our highly commended entries will be announced following this, which will include our top scoring writers from underrepresented backgrounds.

#writingcompetition #ascentnovelprize #getpublished #opportunitiesforwriters

Don't miss out on your chance to enter Ascent Children's Book Prize 2026!

There's only 2 weeks to go before our prize closes for judging. We can't wait to read your entries. Click on the link in our bio to meet our Children's Book Prize team and find out more.

All entries are submitted online where you will also find our terms and conditions. Entry costs £29 and our winner will be announced on the 1st December by literary agent, Hannah Sheppard. Our highly commended entries will be announced following this, which will include our top scoring writers from underrepresented backgrounds.

#writingcompetition #ascentnovelprize #getpublished #opportunitiesforwriters

What book has changed you? Our words and stories have power.

Watch out for our interview with writer, Adebola Rayo, who is this year's Ascent Children's Book Prize Picture Book reader. Follow Conversations on Craft on Youtube or Spotify for more.

Rayo shares her inspirational advice, and gives us an insight into how to keep going when all you face is rejection. #sleepguppysaysbedtimemustwait

And if you haven't entered Ascent Children's Book Prize, what are you waiting for? There's only three weeks left until we close for judging. See link in bio for details.

#ascentnovelprize #writingadvice #writingcompetition

What book has changed you? Our words and stories have power.

Watch out for our interview with writer, Adebola Rayo, who is this year's Ascent Children's Book Prize Picture Book reader. Follow Conversations on Craft on Youtube or Spotify for more.

Rayo shares her inspirational advice, and gives us an insight into how to keep going when all you face is rejection. #sleepguppysaysbedtimemustwait

And if you haven't entered Ascent Children's Book Prize, what are you waiting for? There's only three weeks left until we close for judging. See link in bio for details.

#ascentnovelprize #writingadvice #writingcompetition

Giveaway!

Simply follow Ascent Novel Prize, like this post and tell us what your favourite children’s or YA book is below. Tag your writer friends for extra entries. Open to UK entrants only. Winner will be announced on the 1st July.

To enter Ascent Children’s Book Prize, click the link in our bio. Only 3 weeks left to win £1,000. Our top 100 receive feedback and top scoring writers from underrepresented areas will be commended following the announcement of the winner.

Best of luck everyone!

#writerlygiveaway #writing #writingcompetition

Giveaway!

Simply follow Ascent Novel Prize, like this post and tell us what your favourite children’s or YA book is below. Tag your writer friends for extra entries. Open to UK entrants only. Winner will be announced on the 1st July.

To enter Ascent Children’s Book Prize, click the link in our bio. Only 3 weeks left to win £1,000. Our top 100 receive feedback and top scoring writers from underrepresented areas will be commended following the announcement of the winner.

Best of luck everyone!

#writerlygiveaway #writing #writingcompetition

New podcast out now!

Follow 'Conversations on Craft' for industry advice and writerly chat. Available on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.

This month, Hannah Sheppard shares her journey from editor to agent and reveals what makes a submission shine.

#writingpodcast #ascentnovelprize #findanagent #getpublished

New podcast out now!

Follow 'Conversations on Craft' for industry advice and writerly chat. Available on Youtube, Spotify and Apple.

This month, Hannah Sheppard shares her journey from editor to agent and reveals what makes a submission shine.

#writingpodcast #ascentnovelprize #findanagent #getpublished

Ascent Children's Book Prize is delighted to announce our specialised reader of picture books, Adebola Rayo. Welcome to the team!

Enter before 1st July to share your work with Adebola and be in with a chance of winning £1,000. You may enter up to three picture books (on one document) online. Link in bio. Literary agent, Hannah Sheppard will select the overall winner on 1st December.

Adebola Rayo is a writer, editor, and communications strategist. Her debut children’s book, Sleepy Guppy Says Bedtime Must Wait, was a Highly Commended Winner in Faber & Faber’s FAB Prize 2025.

She is the CEO of Tani Series and Co-Founder of Karanta Kids, organisations dedicated to expanding access to representative stories for children of African descent. Through community events and the digital platform Karanta Kids, her work centres children’s creativity, curiosity, and sense of belonging.

She holds a master’s degree in Corporate and Marketing Communications from IE Business School in Spain and a master’s in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco in the United States.

I am excited to read picture books that lean into wonder, stories that leave children (and even adult readers) delighted and longing to read them again and again. I advise you to write from your sense of childlike wonder and enjoy the process of following your imagination wherever it takes you. Regardless of what makes it into your final edit, you will, hopefully, have tapped into the whimsy that makes a story thrilling for children.

#ascentnovelprize #writingcompetitions #picturebookcompetition #writingprize

Ascent Children's Book Prize is delighted to announce our specialised reader of picture books, Adebola Rayo. Welcome to the team!

Enter before 1st July to share your work with Adebola and be in with a chance of winning £1,000. You may enter up to three picture books (on one document) online. Link in bio. Literary agent, Hannah Sheppard will select the overall winner on 1st December.

Adebola Rayo is a writer, editor, and communications strategist. Her debut children’s book, Sleepy Guppy Says Bedtime Must Wait, was a Highly Commended Winner in Faber & Faber’s FAB Prize 2025.

She is the CEO of Tani Series and Co-Founder of Karanta Kids, organisations dedicated to expanding access to representative stories for children of African descent. Through community events and the digital platform Karanta Kids, her work centres children’s creativity, curiosity, and sense of belonging.

She holds a master’s degree in Corporate and Marketing Communications from IE Business School in Spain and a master’s in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco in the United States.

I am excited to read picture books that lean into wonder, stories that leave children (and even adult readers) delighted and longing to read them again and again. I advise you to write from your sense of childlike wonder and enjoy the process of following your imagination wherever it takes you. Regardless of what makes it into your final edit, you will, hopefully, have tapped into the whimsy that makes a story thrilling for children.

#ascentnovelprize #writingcompetitions #picturebookcompetition #writingprize

Author of GLOW UP, LARA BLOOM, Dee Benson encourages you to take a leap of faith and share your work.

Sometimes, there's nothing worse than putting your work in front of others. It takes great courage. It means opening yourself up to criticism. What if no one likes it? But we're here to say, what if someone does? What if your words have the potential to change someone's life for the better? What if, in sharing your story, some out there feels less alone?

#keepgoing #everystorycounts

Author of GLOW UP, LARA BLOOM, Dee Benson encourages you to take a leap of faith and share your work.

Sometimes, there's nothing worse than putting your work in front of others. It takes great courage. It means opening yourself up to criticism. What if no one likes it? But we're here to say, what if someone does? What if your words have the potential to change someone's life for the better? What if, in sharing your story, some out there feels less alone?

#keepgoing #everystorycounts

With experience as both editor and agent, Hannah Sheppard shares her tops tips for perfecting your submission package.

To all with access to our membership area (a free area, designed to support Ascent Novel Prize entrants) Hannah's insights and expert advice is now available!

With one month left to enter Ascent Children's Book Prize, please head to our website for more. Link in bio.

#writingadvice #findanagent #writingcompetitions

With experience as both editor and agent, Hannah Sheppard shares her tops tips for perfecting your submission package.

To all with access to our membership area (a free area, designed to support Ascent Novel Prize entrants) Hannah's insights and expert advice is now available!

With one month left to enter Ascent Children's Book Prize, please head to our website for more. Link in bio.

#writingadvice #findanagent #writingcompetitions

With only one month left before we close for judging, we would like to introduce Ascent Children's Book Prize team.

From picture books to young adult fiction, and all that lies between, we cannot wait to read your entries. Visit AscentNovelPrize.com for full terms and conditions and to enter. Link in bio.

Every entrant to Ascent receives access to a membership area for free, as our aim is to demystify the publishing process. Following the announcement of our winner, our highest scoring entries from writers from underrepresented areas will be selected for our highly commended awards.

This week, we shall reveal our final reader who specialises in picture books. Please note that you may enter up to three picture books on one document.

#writingcompetition #writingprize #writingforchildren #YAauthor

With only one month left before we close for judging, we would like to introduce Ascent Children's Book Prize team.

From picture books to young adult fiction, and all that lies between, we cannot wait to read your entries. Visit AscentNovelPrize.com for full terms and conditions and to enter. Link in bio.

Every entrant to Ascent receives access to a membership area for free, as our aim is to demystify the publishing process. Following the announcement of our winner, our highest scoring entries from writers from underrepresented areas will be selected for our highly commended awards.

This week, we shall reveal our final reader who specialises in picture books. Please note that you may enter up to three picture books on one document.

#writingcompetition #writingprize #writingforchildren #YAauthor

Ascent Children's Book Prize is thrilled to reveal their first reader, Yasmin Rahman.

Enter online by the 1st July to win £1,000. Every entrant receives access to our membership area and the top 100 entrants receive a paragraph of personalised feedback. For more info, click on the link in our bio.

Yasmin Rahman is a YA author whose books focus on friendship, and the British Muslim experience. She’s very excited to be part of the Ascent Novel Prize and looking forward to reading submissions filled with emotion and perchance a smidge of humour. She has two masters degrees in Creative Writing, and from them she’s learned that the best advice is to write the thing you want to read, the book you wish existed. The thing that will shine in your entries is the passion and dedication you’ve poured into it.

#writingcompetition #ascentnovelprize #writingadvice #writingprize #findanagent #getpublished

Ascent Children's Book Prize is thrilled to reveal their first reader, Yasmin Rahman.

Enter online by the 1st July to win £1,000. Every entrant receives access to our membership area and the top 100 entrants receive a paragraph of personalised feedback. For more info, click on the link in our bio.

Yasmin Rahman is a YA author whose books focus on friendship, and the British Muslim experience. She’s very excited to be part of the Ascent Novel Prize and looking forward to reading submissions filled with emotion and perchance a smidge of humour. She has two masters degrees in Creative Writing, and from them she’s learned that the best advice is to write the thing you want to read, the book you wish existed. The thing that will shine in your entries is the passion and dedication you’ve poured into it.

#writingcompetition #ascentnovelprize #writingadvice #writingprize #findanagent #getpublished

New episode, out now!

Tune in for more writing tips and publishing industry insights. Conversations on Craft is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow, like and share.

#ascentnovelprize #writingcompetitions #findanagent #getpublished #writingpodcast #writingadvice

New episode, out now!

Tune in for more writing tips and publishing industry insights. Conversations on Craft is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow, like and share.

#ascentnovelprize #writingcompetitions #findanagent #getpublished #writingpodcast #writingadvice

Navigating feedback as a writer can be difficult. Head to Ascent Novel Prize's podcast, 'Conversations on Craft' for more.

You may wish to consider:
1. What is the experience of the person giving you feedback? Do they read widely within your genre?
2. Sit with the feedback before making any changes. What feels right? What did you have an emotional reaction to?
3. Consider how you wanted the reader to feel. For example, not all characters are supposed to be likeable.
4. Consider what sort of feedback you're looking for and make this explicit at the start. Do you want feedback at the line level or do you want to know if the overarching story works? Do you want to know how the reader felt? Places where the pace flagged? Or do you want a deep dive on character?
5. Using more than one person to give you feedback can help you figure out what your common issues are. Aim to gain an understanding of your own strengths as well as weaknesses.
6. Leave time between finishing your manuscript and giving it a read through yourself. Many people find having it printed out or sending it to kindle changes the reading experience, helping you turn from writer into reader.
7. Do not mistake confusion for intrigue. At the opening of each scene your reader needs to know where they are.
8. Avoid cliches. Highlight them. Remove them. If your book opens with a character waking up or a character who is confused and running away consider how you can guide the reader into the story more successfully.
9. Search for repeated words or phrases. Knowing that a character is holding their breath, breathing out, giving a sigh gets weary quite fast!

@the_shit_about_writing regularly organises beta-reader swaps. Our best advice would be to find your people! Aim to find other writers who want you to succeed. Ask for honesty and don't be afraid to hear what people have to say. Suggestions to improve your work are only that. You remain in control. But equally, you must be ready to listen. Find what resonates. Question what hurts. And don't be afraid to kill your darlings. You've got this!

#ascentnovelprize #writingadvice #conversationsoncraft

Navigating feedback as a writer can be difficult. Head to Ascent Novel Prize's podcast, 'Conversations on Craft' for more.

You may wish to consider:
1. What is the experience of the person giving you feedback? Do they read widely within your genre?
2. Sit with the feedback before making any changes. What feels right? What did you have an emotional reaction to?
3. Consider how you wanted the reader to feel. For example, not all characters are supposed to be likeable.
4. Consider what sort of feedback you're looking for and make this explicit at the start. Do you want feedback at the line level or do you want to know if the overarching story works? Do you want to know how the reader felt? Places where the pace flagged? Or do you want a deep dive on character?
5. Using more than one person to give you feedback can help you figure out what your common issues are. Aim to gain an understanding of your own strengths as well as weaknesses.
6. Leave time between finishing your manuscript and giving it a read through yourself. Many people find having it printed out or sending it to kindle changes the reading experience, helping you turn from writer into reader.
7. Do not mistake confusion for intrigue. At the opening of each scene your reader needs to know where they are.
8. Avoid cliches. Highlight them. Remove them. If your book opens with a character waking up or a character who is confused and running away consider how you can guide the reader into the story more successfully.
9. Search for repeated words or phrases. Knowing that a character is holding their breath, breathing out, giving a sigh gets weary quite fast!

@the_shit_about_writing regularly organises beta-reader swaps. Our best advice would be to find your people! Aim to find other writers who want you to succeed. Ask for honesty and don't be afraid to hear what people have to say. Suggestions to improve your work are only that. You remain in control. But equally, you must be ready to listen. Find what resonates. Question what hurts. And don't be afraid to kill your darlings. You've got this!

#ascentnovelprize #writingadvice #conversationsoncraft

Huge congratulations to Erica Li, winner of Ascent Novel Prize, on her shortlisting with the Footnote x Counterpoint Arts Prize in collaboration with the Southbank Centre.

Footnote x Counterpoint Arts Prize aims to highlight writers from refugee and migrant backgrounds whose work explored themes of displacement, courage and belonging. Visit @wearefootnote for more, including details on the shortlistee's reading on 31st May.

To watch Erica's full interview visit Ascent Novel Prize's YouTube channel, Conversations on Craft.

#writingcompetitions #yourstorycounts

Huge congratulations to Erica Li, winner of Ascent Novel Prize, on her shortlisting with the Footnote x Counterpoint Arts Prize in collaboration with the Southbank Centre.

Footnote x Counterpoint Arts Prize aims to highlight writers from refugee and migrant backgrounds whose work explored themes of displacement, courage and belonging. Visit @wearefootnote for more, including details on the shortlistee's reading on 31st May.

To watch Erica's full interview visit Ascent Novel Prize's YouTube channel, Conversations on Craft.

#writingcompetitions #yourstorycounts

NEW BLOG POST OUT NOW...

This month, we're thrilled to welcome author of 'A Healthy Appetite' @katiehauthor who shares writing advice for every exhausted writer. (Yes, that's all of us!)

Visit our website - link in bio - and head to our writing advice page for more.

'A Healthy Appetite' is described as delightfully dark and addictive, a ravenous tale of morality vs mortality, that asks how much of yourself would you give up to become healthy?

Perfect for fans of Sayaka Murata and Monika Kim.

Hannah is dying for a cure.

After a decade subsumed by a cancer diagnosis, Hannah is now thirty, existing in a hinterland between life and death. Her boyfriend Scott has become more of a carer than a lover, and – with no job, no plans, and no more options – she has resigned herself to no future.

But then she's given the opportunity to join phase one of a clinical trial that might just save her. Almost immediately, she feels different; that evening, her appetite returns. And it keeps growing...

Now Hannah is hungry for life.

A committed vegetarian, Hannah suddenly finds herself craving meat — but her new hunger isn't limited to food. Now she wants everything. As new and suppressed desires surface, she becomes reckless, destructive, and deceitful. It's the miracle drug she's been waiting for, but at what cost?

Pre-order link via Dead Ink's website: https://deadinkbooks.com/product/a-healthy-appetite/

#writingadvice #getpublished #ascentnovelprize #writingcompetition

NEW BLOG POST OUT NOW...

This month, we're thrilled to welcome author of 'A Healthy Appetite' @katiehauthor who shares writing advice for every exhausted writer. (Yes, that's all of us!)

Visit our website - link in bio - and head to our writing advice page for more.

'A Healthy Appetite' is described as delightfully dark and addictive, a ravenous tale of morality vs mortality, that asks how much of yourself would you give up to become healthy?

Perfect for fans of Sayaka Murata and Monika Kim.

Hannah is dying for a cure.

After a decade subsumed by a cancer diagnosis, Hannah is now thirty, existing in a hinterland between life and death. Her boyfriend Scott has become more of a carer than a lover, and – with no job, no plans, and no more options – she has resigned herself to no future.

But then she's given the opportunity to join phase one of a clinical trial that might just save her. Almost immediately, she feels different; that evening, her appetite returns. And it keeps growing...

Now Hannah is hungry for life.

A committed vegetarian, Hannah suddenly finds herself craving meat — but her new hunger isn't limited to food. Now she wants everything. As new and suppressed desires surface, she becomes reckless, destructive, and deceitful. It's the miracle drug she's been waiting for, but at what cost?

Pre-order link via Dead Ink's website: https://deadinkbooks.com/product/a-healthy-appetite/

#writingadvice #getpublished #ascentnovelprize #writingcompetition

Ascent Children's Book Prize is open for entries.

For chapter books, middle grade, and Young Adult, submit up to 3,000 words, a one-sentence pitch and a one-page synopsis at www.ascentnovelprize.com. (Link in bio)

For picture books, you may submit up to 3 texts.

1st prize: £1,000
Entry fee: £29
Every entrant receives access to a free membership area.
The top 100 hundred entries receive one paragraph of personalised feedback from an industry professional.

Our winner will be announced on the 1st December. This year, our prize is judged by literary agent Hannah Sheppard:

"I love stories and I want to make sure that as many fantastic stories from as diverse a range of authors as possible end up on our bookshop shelves. I want to be entertained while also deeply caring about your characters.

The best advice I can give to authors at the beginning of their career is that it’s a marathon not a sprint and to keep putting your work out there because it only takes one yes but if you’re avoiding the no then you’ll never find the yes."

Visit http://www.ascentnovelprize.com
for full terms and conditions.

Following the announcement of the winner, our highest scoring writers from under-represented backgrounds will receive an award alongside any other highly commended entries. Simply tick the box on our submissions page if you want to be considered.

#writingcompetition #ascentnovelprize #unagentedwriter #writingprize #worldwidewritingcompetition #agentjudges #aspiringwriter #seekingagent

Ascent Children's Book Prize is open for entries.

For chapter books, middle grade, and Young Adult, submit up to 3,000 words, a one-sentence pitch and a one-page synopsis at www.ascentnovelprize.com. (Link in bio)

For picture books, you may submit up to 3 texts.

1st prize: £1,000
Entry fee: £29
Every entrant receives access to a free membership area.
The top 100 hundred entries receive one paragraph of personalised feedback from an industry professional.

Our winner will be announced on the 1st December. This year, our prize is judged by literary agent Hannah Sheppard:

"I love stories and I want to make sure that as many fantastic stories from as diverse a range of authors as possible end up on our bookshop shelves. I want to be entertained while also deeply caring about your characters.

The best advice I can give to authors at the beginning of their career is that it’s a marathon not a sprint and to keep putting your work out there because it only takes one yes but if you’re avoiding the no then you’ll never find the yes."

Visit http://www.ascentnovelprize.com
for full terms and conditions.

Following the announcement of the winner, our highest scoring writers from under-represented backgrounds will receive an award alongside any other highly commended entries. Simply tick the box on our submissions page if you want to be considered.

#writingcompetition #ascentnovelprize #unagentedwriter #writingprize #worldwidewritingcompetition #agentjudges #aspiringwriter #seekingagent

All feedback has been sent to writers who entered Ascent Novel Prize 2025/26.

If you haven't received your feedback, please email info@ascentnovelprize.com immediately as all information from 2025/26 will be deleted at the end of this month.

Our Children's Book Prize is now open for entries, and we are accepting picture books, chapter books, middle-grade and YA. See our website for more details. Link in bio.

Our adult prize will be open for entries from 1st June.

#ascentnovelprize #writingcompetition #writersofinstagram #writingprize

All feedback has been sent to writers who entered Ascent Novel Prize 2025/26.

If you haven't received your feedback, please email info@ascentnovelprize.com immediately as all information from 2025/26 will be deleted at the end of this month.

Our Children's Book Prize is now open for entries, and we are accepting picture books, chapter books, middle-grade and YA. See our website for more details. Link in bio.

Our adult prize will be open for entries from 1st June.

#ascentnovelprize #writingcompetition #writersofinstagram #writingprize

Happy publication day to THE LAST STARBORN SEER.

Tomorrow at 8pm, episode 7 will be released where we interview Venetia Constantine, author of THE LAST STARBORN SEER.

Venetia shares her writing process, including how she developed her world building and found her agent. When a writer is compared to Tolkien, you don't want to miss out on their top world building tips.

Be sure to follow our podcast, Conversations of Craft, so you never miss an episode.

#ascentnovelprize #writingadvice #conversationsoncraft #writingcommunity #fantasyworldbuilding

Happy publication day to THE LAST STARBORN SEER.

Tomorrow at 8pm, episode 7 will be released where we interview Venetia Constantine, author of THE LAST STARBORN SEER.

Venetia shares her writing process, including how she developed her world building and found her agent. When a writer is compared to Tolkien, you don't want to miss out on their top world building tips.

Be sure to follow our podcast, Conversations of Craft, so you never miss an episode.

#ascentnovelprize #writingadvice #conversationsoncraft #writingcommunity #fantasyworldbuilding

Huge congratulations all to our wonderful writers! What an incredible week. ❤️

#ascentnovelprize

Huge congratulations all to our wonderful writers! What an incredible week. ❤️

#ascentnovelprize

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