NZ Book Festival Manuscript Competition for Writers
As core sponsor for the competition BigWords-Books will run the competition and deliver the publishing prize pack using our trusted service providers in editing, design and print, and support the winning author throughout the self-publishing process.
A long-time supporter of the NZ Book Festival, BigWords-Books owner Fiona Cole sees the competition as a way to give emerging indie authors the chance to get their dream of becoming a published author off to a great start, and showcase the level of professionalism available through the independent publishing route in New Zealand.
The NZ Book Festival is the ideal platform for achieving this, whilst at the same time supporting what has become an important literary event for writers and readers. More about the NZ Book Festival
Who can enter?
The competition is open to New Zealand residents, including those currently living overseas, who have not had a book published previously by a mainstream Publishing House, and/or are not currently contracted to a publisher.
Previously self-published authors may enter provided the manuscript is not part of a series with titles already published.
Competition prize pool
The winner of the NZ Book Festival Manuscript Competition will be selected from 10 shortlisted entries.
First prize consists of a $3,500 self-publishing package with BigWords-Books, which includes the professional editing, proofreading, formatting and cover design as well as 200 printed copies. The winning author will also have BigWords-Books assistance through the edit, design and promote stages of their book, to the approximate value of $500+GST.
Manuscript submissions need to be from works that are either fully completed or advanced enough to be completed by 31 March 2018 to allow for the completed publication to be launched at the 2018 NZ Book Festival in November.
Shortlisted entries will receive a consolation prize, the final contents of which is to be confirmed.
What genres are accepted?
The manuscript competition is open to most fiction genres, as well as creative non-fiction, biographical or autobiographical slice of life or travel stories. Essentially, works that are suited to an A5 Portrait paperback format.
For more information and a full list of exclusions, see the Competition Terms and Conditions
How to enter
Entries cost NZ$40.00 (including GST)
Electronic entries only will be accepted, in open document or Word document format. The author’s name must not appear in the synopsis or the manuscript, only in the entry form.
The competition closes at midnight on 28 February 2018
All submitted entries must comprise:
- a story synopsis – maximum 500 words
- the first two chapters
- two additional non-sequential chapters
Filling out the entry form below requires you to upload your synopsis and manuscript sample chapters. Please ensure you have these ready. When you submit your entry you will be redirected to a secure payment gateway for electronic payment of the $40 entry fee. More