ProWritingAid contest: $50,000 prize for first 5,000 words of your novel

Submit the first 5,000 words of your work in progress for a chance to win a $50,000 grand prize or one of $5,000 shortlisted awards from ProWritingAid.

The contest is open to all writers, in any genre who are unpublished and unagented.

Submit 5,000 words from the opening of a novel in progress.

They’re not looking for a finished book. They’re looking for a compelling voice, a strong sense of story, and an opening that makes readers want to keep reading.

Deadline: March 31, 2026

Full contest rules and to enter, see here.

See Brian Henry's upcoming weekly writing classes, one-day workshops, and four-day retreats here.