Member-Sponsored First Chapter Contest

Details

To put one's best foot forward is an apt expression to headline this contest. While it takes only seconds to make an impression on someone—or of someone—the written word does not require mere seconds (although I've read that editors and agents allow about ten seconds for scanning a new work to make a decision.)

Still, your words in the first chapter must shine; every single word must be polished; every sentence must glisten. This is your chance to make the reader take notice of you. Catch them early, hold them fast, and drag them into the story. For this contest, submit the first chapter of your novel, less than 3,000 words. Judges are looking for the "wow" factor. So wow them.

Winning entries

Winners have been announced! Log in to see them.

Prizes

Rules

• Entries must be original, unpublished work of fiction (in any genre).

• Entries must be no more than 3,000 words, by Scribophile's count.

• Only the first chapter of a novel will be considered for judging.

• Prologues will not be considered as a first chapter.

• Only one entry per member, please. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

• Do not include gratuitous violence, sex, gore, and bad language. If any of the above serves a purpose in the story, then we might overlook it.

• Work must have Public visibility on Scribophile until winners are announced.

• Entries will be judged blind by a committee. Decisions are final.

• Winners will be announced before August 31, 2016.

Submission guidelines

• To enter the contest, post your work on Scribophile and check the box that says "Enter this work into the Member-Sponsored First Chapter contest." Your work will automatically be considered. The checkbox will be visible until the contest deadline.

• Entry is free, but you'll need karma points to post your work. You can earn karma points by writing critiques of work by other members.

• If you have placed in a contest in the past with a particular piece, you may not resubmit that piece in other contests.