NovelBound First Chapter Contest 2026

NovelBound First Chapter Contest 2026

Submit to enter NovelBound's inaugural First Chapter Contest. Please provide your details and upload your work below.
Please note: You may submit more than one work, but they must be submitted as separate entries with separate fees. We cap entries to ensure our readers have the time and bandwidth to read each one, so please submit no more than two entries.
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Email Address
example@example.com
Age Range
Country of Residence
I understand that I may be contacted by email regarding contest details, that I am opting into NovelBound emails, and that I have the right to unsubscribe.
Briefly tell us your writing experience, including any degrees, publications (indie or traditional), whether you are currently querying or ever plan to, and what you enjoy writing. It's also okay if you don't have much experience! This will NOT affect judging nor be attached to your entry :)
Do you have any social handles or websites you'd like us to tag/link if you are selected as a winner?

Upload instructions:
- Include the work's title at the top.
- Do not include your name anywhere on the document.
- Please use 12 pt. standard font, double-space, and 1 inch margins. When in doubt, use Times New Roman or Arial.
- Entry may not exceed 15 pages or 4000 words.
Any genre is welcome. If there are major triggers, please include a content warning in the additional comments field.
Title
Genre
Upload Your First Chapter

Please upload your first chapter with 12 pt. font, double-spaced, 1 inch margins. Entry may not exceed 15 pages or 4000 words. Accepted files types are DOC/DOCX and PDF.
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I confirm that no part of this entry has been published in any way, including self-publication, traditional publication, and literary magazines.
I confirm that I have not used generative AI to write or assist this work.
Additional Comments (optional)

Entry Fee

Your entry fee will go toward paying our judges and contributing to the first and second place prizes.

Non-members pay $15. Members have discounted entry of $5 using the coupon code, which is available on the membership hub. If you cannot find it, please reach out to novelbound.community@gmail.com.

Non-members can gain discounted entry by joining membership before submitting this form. If you join after submitting the form, you will not be refunded.

$15.00

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NovelBound First Chapter Contest 2026

Entry Fee*

Payment Methods

Entry Fee