How do I make my entry stand out?
Premium Members can access our Opening Pages Resource Pack via the
Jericho Writers Vault and we also have plenty of free articles available in our
Blog. Also, watch the replay of last years final on the
First 500 page for an idea of what has wowed us previously!
What format should my entry be?
500 words (to the nearest sentence end) in an easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, ideally double spaced. You can submit either a Word document or a PDF.
Does it have to be from the opening of my novel?
Yes, it should be your opening 500 words. If you have a prologue, it should be the first 500 words of that prologue. When it comes to prologues, we always advise that if it’s not strong enough to enter into a competition and you’d rather enter Chapter One, you should consider whether you need the prologue at all.
What genres are suitable? Can I enter with a memoir or non fiction title?
Yes, we will accept entries from all genres including memoir, non-fiction and children’s.
How does the judging process work?
The Jericho Writers team will judge all entries anonymously, reading the 500 words only with no identifiers. Each entry is read by two reader judges on the team and scored out of 10, taking into account the quality of the writing, how your plot is shaping up, and how captivating your opening is. Once we’ve narrowed it down to a shortlist of 16 writers, these entries are passed on to our external judging panel to select the 8 finalists.
Here's what we're looking for in a winning entry:
- Hint of plot – Even in 500 words, show a story taking shape. Introduce conflict or tension to spark curiosity without giving everything away.
- Quality of writing – We’re looking for writing that flows well, is easy to read, and makes an impression. Clear, confident storytelling will stand out.
- Voice and characters – Bring characters to life and let your unique voice shine. Originality and personality help your story stand out.
- Captivating opening – Hook us from the first lines. Whether through a twist, a scene, or your voice, make readers eager to turn the page.
At our live final, the audience will vote on their favourite finalist entry via a live poll, which will decide our winner.
Will I get feedback on my entry?
You will only receive feedback if you purchase the £45 feedback upgrade. If you do, you will receive 250 words of written feedback from the Jericho Writers team before the end of the year.