How do I enter the First 500 Novel Competition?

The competition is free for Premium Members and otherwise has a £10 entry fee. 

Who is eligible to enter the First 500 Novel Competition? 

We encourage everyone to enter the competition, no matter your background or where you are in the world. 

However, if you already have an agent or are traditionally published at the time of entry, we ask that you leave this opportunity for those who could most benefit from it. This also includes any writer who has a contract with a traditional publisher but their book is yet to be published. 

If you have previously self-published, you are eligible. If you have previously been represented by an agent but are no longer represented, you are eligible for entry. Please check the rules section for the full details. 

Can I enter the First 500 Novel Competition if I was shortlisted/a finalist for Friday Night Live?

Yes – You can enter the First 500 Novel Competition even if you entered or placed in the Friday Night Live competition at the London Festival of Writing

Can I enter the First 500 Novel Competition if I was shortlisted/a finalist for last year's First 500?

You can enter First 500 if you have previously entered or been shortlisted before, however, if you were a finalist last year you will not be eligible to enter this year to allow the opportunity to other writers.

My Premium Membership ends before the competition closes - can I still enter / be shortlisted etc?

No. You must be an active Premium Member at the time of the live final on 12 December, or have purchased a £10 entry. If your membership expires before the final and you have not purchased a £10 entry, you will no longer be eligible, even if you've been shortlisted. 

What are the benefits to joining as a member instead of paying for entry?

Joining as a member not only gains you access to this and other competitions, but you will also gain instant access to 280+ hours of masterclasses, our AgentMatch database, video courses for writers, opportunities for feedback from the Jericho Writers team and our monthly live online writing events. 

I am terrified of speaking on camera, help!

We will invite you to a practise session before the live event so you can get familiar with the technology. However, if this still sounds scary, a member of the Jericho Writers’ team can read your work on your behalf. We are also around to support with the technical side of editing your video if you do not have the means.

I want to enter but can’t afford the entry fee. What can I do?

We try to make everything we do as accessible as possible but totally understand that for some people, paying to enter a competition isn’t financially viable. If this is the case for you, please get in touch at info@jerichowriters.com and we will try our best to make things work.