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Frequently Asked Questions
Does my novel have to be finished to enter?
No. Not on entry. But if longlisted, we will request the next 30,000 words. If you are shortlisted on the 1st February, the judging agent will request your full manuscript.
I have self-published my book, can I still enter?
Yes. However, you cannot enter if you have received a publishing deal.
I've changed my novel, can I re-submit?
Yes, but you will need to pay the entry fee again. Once a novel has been submitted, it cannot be edited or changed.
Help, I've left my name on my manuscript. Will I be disqualified?
Yes, unless you contact us within 24 hours by emailing info@ascentnovelprize.com. We will ask for an anonymised document and change via our judging portal.
I've just noticed a spelling mistake. Will it ruin my chances?
No, our judges are searching for an incredible story. A spelling mistake will not detract from well crafted characters and an interesting plot.
I've never written a synopsis before, what do I include?
Include a brief outline of the main plot of your book. They are notoriously difficult things to write, so don't overthink it or worry. Our judges want to see what happens in the story including the beginning, middle and end. There are lots of resources that will help you write one online.
How long does my finished novel need to be?
Over 50,000 words. There is no upper limit for the competition although if you wish to be traditionally published industry guidelines would suggest an upper limit of 100-120k.
Is the prize open to international writers?
Yes, we take entries from around the world. Please note that all deadlines are GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and may need to be converted into your time zone. All entries must be in English.
I've accepted representation from an agent, can I still win?
No, but we will honour any listing you may have received. If you accept representation please email info@ascentnovelprize.com
I've accepted a publishing deal, can I still win?
Not if it is for a piece of fiction, but we will honour any listing you may have received. If you accept representation please email info@ascentnovelprize.com. If the deal is non-fiction, you are still eligible to win.
What do I submit?
Send us your first 3,000 words followed by a one line pitch and a one-page synopsis. Please ensure your name does not appear on your entry as judging is anonymous.
Do you accept poetry or memoir?
No. This is a prize for fiction and due to the potential overlap with non-fiction, we do not accept memoir. We also do not accept poetry, although we do accept novels that are written in lyrical form and have a minimum word count of 50,000.
Why are there separate awards for under-represented writers?
Ascent Novel Prize wants to remove as many barriers to agent representation and receiving a book deal as possible. Following the announcement of the winner, the judging panel will look at the highest scoring entries for work submitted by writers who wish to be considered for one of our under-represented groups.
What does under-represented mean?
For the purposed of our prize, we have identified a number of groups, including writers who are: Black, Asian or from an other minority group, from a working-class background, identify as LGBTQ+, are disabled or have lived in care. Our sponsors may choose to highlight other under-represented groups, for example specific age categories or location. If you feel you are from an under-represented group that is not acknowledged by our awards, please contact us at info@ascentnovelprize.com
I've used ChatGPT to help me write my book. Can I still enter?
No. AI or ChatGPT cannot have written any prose within your book. Your novel must be your own, original work. The use of AI to write your novel will result in disqualification.
I can't afford the entry fee. What do I do?
Please email us at info@ascentnovelprize.com and request a sponsored entry.
When will I receive my feedback?
As the feedback is personalised, and a collection of several readers' thoughts, please allow for a full six months after the close of the prize. If you have not received your feedback by 1st May, email us at info@ascentnovelprize.com. Please note that all entries and comments are deleted on the 1st June, so you must have contacted us before then.
When will I receive access to the free members' area?
Please note, that the password to access the members' area is sent out with your feedback. This gives our industry professionals time to produce their resources. All entrants will have received their feedback by the 1st May, this is 6 months after the close of the prize but we aim to send you your feedback as soon as possible.
How many books can I enter?
There is no limit to the amount of novels you can submit, but each entry costs £29.
My book is for children. Can I enter?
No, unless it can also be classed as a Young Adult book (for older teenage readers). We run a separate prize for children's novels which opens for submissions on the 1st March.
My extract went over 3,000 words. Will I be disqualified?
We allow 10% over the word allocation to allow writers to finish at a suitable point.
I haven't used the correct font. Will I be disqualified?
No. While we would prefer entries to be in Times New Roman, size 12 and double spaced, as long as we can read the work clearly, we do not disqualify writers for formatting issues.
What can I be disqualified for?
There are three things a writer can be disqualified for: including their name on the document; using AI to write the book and going significantly over the wordcount. If you have done any of these things, simply email info@ascentnovelprize.com within 24 hours and we will accept a new document.
I'm having technical problems submitting my work. Can you help?
If you experience any difficulties submitting your work, please email info@ascentnovelprize.com allowing 48 hours for a reply. If this happens near the close of the prize and you are unable to submit, please take a screenshot or a photograph which shows the time and we will honour your entry as soon as we provide the technical support.
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