The Guardian and Hot Key Books are nearing the end of their search for the next generation of writers of children’s fiction with the Guardian Hot Key Books Young Writers Prize.
The shortlist has been announced and the over all winner(s) will be revealed at the London Book Fair, 15 April – 17 April 2013.
The process has been so exciting and we do hope to run the contest again, but we can’t know for sure that we will. Follow us on Twitter and you won’t miss out on the news, if we do.
Here is all the information for the 2012 competition:
We are looking for new young writers between the ages of 18 and 25, who write in either of two categories: for ages 9-12 or 13-19. Entrants should be unpublished talents new to the literary world that are passionate about writing for children. The winners, one for each age category, will be selected by a panel of judges who will consult with school children. Each winner will be given editorial support and the chance to be published by Hot Key Books.
Submissions of partial manuscripts will be accepted from 30 April and close on 31 May, with a second stage of full manuscripts in October.
SUBMISSIONS FOR 2012 HAVE NOW CLOSED.
If you have any questions, have a read of our Young Writers Prize FAQs.
Click here to read the full terms and conditions. Please ensure you have read through and agree to all of the terms and conditions of this prize if you have entered.
GOOD LUCK!
Timing:
The Prize will have four stages.
- Initial submissions (4000 words + 1 page synopsis) will be accepted from midnight on Monday 30th April 2012. The closing date for initial submissions will be midnight on Thursday 31st May 2012.
- Hot Key Books will shortlist entries to a final 20 by Friday 21st September 2012. Full manuscripts will be requested from successful applicants (9-12 category: 30-50,000 words. 13-19 category: 50-80,000 words).
- A final shortlist of 5 entries for each category will be sent out to a judging panel on Saturday December 1st 2012.
- The judging panel will choose one winner for each category. Winners will be announced at London Book Fair 2013.
The Prize:
- There will be two overall Prize winners, one from the 9-12 category and one from the 13-19 category.
- The Prize is a potential worldwide publishing contract for each winner with Hot Key Books and full editorial support.
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This sounds like an amazing competition. Quick question though. Can entrants submit their unpublished manuscripts to other agents and publishers while this competition is taking place?
Hi Brian
All the terms and conditions will be released later this month! We’re so glad you’re excited about our competition!
Thank you!
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Sounds like fun, I may enter. Think I have one story on the go that could appeal the 13-19 range. Though it needs a serious re-write (and an ending) as it was last years NaNo novel.
Hi Bronnen
It’s great that you have something on the go to send to us – the first submission only needs to be 4000 words. It might be worth working on this to make sure it really stands out from the crowd. Once this first submission is sparkling and as perfect as you can make it, then is the time to start working on the novel as a whole! Good Luck!
For the 4000 word initial submission – Can this just be a section of the over-all novel? (Unless I’ve got this wrong and the 4000w is only the synopsis?)
I’m sure this is a really silly question, haha.
Hey Annie – The 4000 words you submit initially needs to be the first 4000 of your manuscript, which would be emailed along with a short biography and a one-page synopsis… hope that is clear
Good luck!
I will definitely enter! How exciting!
So exciting! Was about to start submitting my novel to agents, but I might hold off and try this first. Unless Hot Key is still accepting unagented submissions – then I’ll have a real dilemma…
Hi Heather
We are still accepting unagented submissions – but if you are a young writer this is a great opportunity to have your work looked out in a much more specialist category. Now is the time to really start polishing your first 4000 words – it’s much easier to make the first few chapters shine then to add that finesse to an entire book! Let us know if you have any more questions!
This sounds great! One question, though… where it says “not published under any name”, is that strictly for novels, or ANYTHING? Because I have my webcomic available to print on Lulu… does that exclude me?
Dave
Hi Dave, The full terms and conditions will be released on 30th April, but from what you describe it sound like you should still be eligible. Thanks and good luck!
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Hello Hotkeyers, This sounds great. Just checking: entries (in english) from any part of the world? (Have some v. talented young writers in India that could do with just this kind of break!!) Cheers. Anita
Hi Anita – sorry for the delay. The full T&Cs which will be up on Monday but yes, English Language from any part of the world is what we have agreed.
Thanks for your help!
Oh my! This sounds amazing. Thank you for the opportunity!
I have a question, is the initial submission the first 4000 words of the book or any 4000 words or a summary? Thank you!
Hi Rob – it should be the first 4000 of your manuscript, along with a one page synopsis. Full T&Cs will be up on Monday. Good luck!
I’m really excited about this and I have an idea in mind, however… My idea stemmed from a drawing of a character my friend did – she created a small background story for the character but didn’t have anything else. I asked if I could write the story and have created all the other characters and the whole plot. Does this count as “my” work? (She gave me permission to create the rest of the story.)
Hi Becca, I think as long as you have your friend’s permission you are fine! Good luck!
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Oh my days this is exciting!! Polishing my first 4000 words right now, cannot wait to enter
Hi everyone! We can’t wait to start reading everyone’s entries. We are about to have a Twitter Q&A to talk about the prize if anyone wants to ask anything live to us? We’re over @hotkeybooks on Twitter or your can hashtag your questions to us on #YWP12
Good luck with the writing!
Damn this sounds like an amazing opportunity. Too bad I’m only 17, I’ll definitely be entering next year!
Hi! This contest is a great opportunity. Is it open to residents of Canada?
Hi Anatasia, yes it is! Young writers (18-25) from anywhere in the world, as long as writing in English Language. Good luck!
Hi! Sorry to bother you, but the Application form should be printed, filled in inked and then scanned and sent over or it should be completed electronically? I don’t understand how it could be signed electronically, or just putting your name in the signature will suffice?
Hi Ely, ideally it should be printed, filled out, scanned in and then emailed over. Let us know of you don’t have access to a scanner, and we’ll see what we can do. Good luck!
I will be 25 in October. Am I too old to make a submission since I won’t be “between” the ages of 18 and 25 at the London Book Fair 2013? Thanks.
Hi Caitlin! You just need to be between the ages of 18-25 at the time you submit your manuscript, so you are fine. Good luck!
I have to personally deliver the manuscript? Cant send by email?
Hi Italo – your submission should be emailed to the YWP email address (youngwritersprize@hotkeybooks.com) above, along with a short biography and a one page synopsis. We won’t be accepting any paper copies for the prize. Have a look at the terms and conditions for more details about what you need to include. Good luck!
I discovered this contest via Neil Gaiman on Tumblr and it sounds very exciting. I love that young people are being a chance to show off their talent. However, I was wondering if the entrants have to live in the U.K. or if anyone (such as from the U.S.) can enter too?
Hi Camille – the prize is open worldwide! Your submission just needs to be written in the English language. We’ve had entries from the US already
Good luck!
I have investigated the T&Cs but I still wanted to check one thing.
I have a technical mathematics/defence/scientific paper published. That’s not going to be a problem is it?
Hi Sylvia! Essays are the like are excluded from that stipulation, so you are fine to enter. Good luck
Is it okay to enter if we’re turning 18 by the end of the year?
Hi Natasha – unfortunately you need to be 18 at the time of submitting your entry. But there’s always next year, so you have plenty of time to polish your manuscript!
Cait
I have one probably out-of-the-way question: I’ve read the terms, and it says that the work mustn’t be ‘obscene’. I get the extreme sense – that the story, say, can’t be about a fifteen-year-old axe murderer – but what if the book merely has a bit of swearing, or maybe one implicit mention of sex? Would this render the work ineligible?
Hi Brandon, as long as your submission is in the 13-19 category and isn’t frequent and gratuitous it’s fine. Good luck!
can the initial submission run more than 4,000 words?
Hi Zach! The initial submission needs to be the first 4000 words of your manuscript, but can be 10% more or less than this limit. Remember, this is just to give us a taste of your writing- your one page synopsis will give us a better grasp of the plot and where you plan to take us. Good luck!
Hi, I was wondering what the age cutoff is. I will turn 26 at the end of May. Am I eligible?
Hi Bex, at the time of submission you must be 25 – so as long as you email us with your 4000 words, completed form, synopsis and biography before your birthday you are eligible! Good luck
How exciting! I have a question though, what if our manuscript runs longer than 80,000 words? Mine’s more like 300,000 words…Would that keep me from entering?
Hi Brooke! I think 300,000 words is too long for a single YA novel. You may struggle to find a publishing home for it at that length. You are welcome to submit the first 4,000 words, and then perhaps look at ways to condense or break it up into more than one book for the October longlisting deadline? Do remember that you’d want each of the books to have a satisfying story arc in its own right.
Can young people in Australia enter?
Hi Frank, yes you can! The prize is worldwide, submissions just needs to be in the English language. Good luck!
Does the submission have to be exactly 4000 words, or can it possibly be less?
Hi Sarah! Your submission can be between 10% below/ above 4000 words. So no shorter than 3600 words please
Good luck!
Perfect, thank you!
Wow, this seems fantastic! I would love to enter, but my manuscript is currently unfinished. Is it still possible to enter with an unfinished manuscript? Or only finished manuscripts allowed?
Hi Ming! We only need the first 4000 words for the initial submission, and should you move on to the next stage won’t need to provide your full manuscript until the 1st of October
However we would expect something complete by that time – or at least close to being! Good luck!
For the short biography that we need to include, do we just use that to talk about ourselves? How many words would you like it to be?
Hi Lissa! There is no limit on the bio, but we suggest between 50 and 100 words. Just tell us a bit about yourself, perhaps what your aspirations are – whatever you think. Good luck!
Hi there! I got really excited when I read Neil Gaiman’s post about this on Facebook, but then I got really upset when I found out about the age limit, since I’m 26. Is there no way my entry could still be considered eligible? It’s contests like these that really fuel the creative juices, nothing like a sudden and enticing challenge!
Hi Manuel – I’m really sorry, but as this contest is specifically targeted at writers 18-25, I’m afraid we can’t extend the age limit. We do however accept unsolicited manuscripts anyway though, so you could always try that way? You can send in to enquiries@hotkeybooks.com. Thanks.
Yes, I think I may do that
Can it be a chapter from the middle of a book or does it have to be the first chapter?
Hi Samantha – the initial submission must be the first 4000 words. Then your synopsis will give us an idea of where you plan to go with the story. Good luck
And, Samantha, I’d definitely advise that the first 4000 words of your book be the very best and most exciting! If they aren’t, perhaps a rejig so that they can be?
I’m 17 and turning 18 in June. Would I be allowed to join?
Hi Naia, so sorry but you have to be 18 at the time of submission which unfortunately closes at the end of May
perhaps you could enter next year? You’ll have a whole lot of extra time to perfect your manuscript that way!
What an awesome opportunity. I can’t enter because there’s no way I’ll be able to get my mess of a manuscript ready by then–probably not even 4,000 words of it. Still, I’m happy for all the other young people. This is just…as I said, awesome.
Thanks LS – and remember there is always next year, keep the faith!
I’ll do that! Next year sounds much better.
I’d love to enter, but I’m not a UK resident. Are you welcoming international applicants? Either way, awesome idea for a contest!
Hi Ru – yes the competition is open to entrants from all over the world, you just need to be writing in the English Language. Good luck!
What if you are turning 26 in October?
Hi Sara, you need to be between 18 – 25 at the time of your submission, so you are fine to enter!
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My story has chapters, and up to chapter 5, there are 4,131 words. Is it all right if I just send in the 4,131 words since that is where the chapter ends?
Hi Hanna, yes that sounds fine – we are allowing a 10% either way allowance on the initial word count. Good luck!
hi there, one of my shortstories was published by a local newspaper here in my country. is that considered being “commercially published”? i did not get paid. they don’t pay submissions in their literary section. we are not even given free copy of the newspaper. the only reward is seeing your work printed.
HI Amaranta – no, you will be fine and are still eligable for the competition. Good luck!
If a story deals with mature themes like mental illness and death, but it’s seen through a child’s eyes, should it still be marketed for an older audience anyway? Would it even be eligible?
Hi Lilly, I think submit your story in the category you best see it fits from the writing style. There are many books for 11 year olds that deal with tough issues, but it´s all about the sophistication of the language and writing that is used that would push it up. If we thought a book was in the wrong age category at time of consideration we will probably contact the entrant anyway to discuss this further. Good luck.
I have a friend who I’ve been starting a project with were I write a manuscript and he’s illustrating it. If I wanted to use that for this competition, is there any way his illustrations could be used if I were to win? Should I send them with the manuscript (maybe one with the first and then the complete ones for the complete manuscript) or should I wait with them for the final negotiations if I were to win?
Or maybe (this feels more likely…) I should simply go with another manuscript for this to keep it easier?
Hi Jonesy, this is a little complicated, there would be no certainty that we would be able to use your friend´s artwork alongside your text, but I´m sure it´s worth submitting if it´s your preference. It would help us see the vision for the story, and we would deal with illustration negotiations later down the line. I would submit a few with the initial extract if you wish to go down that route. Best of luck.
I have a few short stories that are technically published in a very small-circulation magazine thing, but the company has since disappeared from existence, along with references to its existence. I probably got $10 in royalties if I was lucky. Am I eligible?
Hi Ann, yes you should be fine to enter. Just make these things clear in your biography. Best of luck.
I am one year under the age limit and have several manuscripts I’m very eager to enter… will this contest be repeating in years to come?
HI Alyssa, yes, we will definitely hope to repeat next year if this year´s goes well so good luck!
Hello! I have a novel in progress that I intend to be the first in a series. The 4,000 words that I will submit would be the first 4,000 from the first book in the intended series: is that appropriate as a submission?
Hello Edward, yes that sounds fine. Bear in mind though that each book needs to be a satisfactory story in it´s own right (i.e. some plot threads are resolved in book one, but with more to be explored in books two/three etc). Good luck.
I have two questions:
Will we still be eligible if we have a short story published in a literary magazine (at any point during the competition)?
Is there going to be any travel required if we get further on in the competition? (There was something mentioned about travel expenses in the rules)
Hi Patrycja, thanks for your questions. Yes, you should still be eligible. If you were to be shortlisted, and your commercial publication status would have changed, then we may have to look again. In terms of travel, there won´t be any required. Obviously we´d love to meet the winners, but if they live outside the UK, we can do that over Skype!
Best of luck.
Does the synopsis have to be a page of double-spaced writing as well, or can it be single-spaced? Sorry, just a small thing but I wanted to check!
HI Clare, the synopsis can be single spaced. Good luck!
This is truly an amazing opportunity you’re offering and I truly cannot thank you enough. I just have a little question. Is there a specific font we must use when submitting our work?
Hi Teresa – thanks for your message! There is no specific font, but the font size should be 12 and it must be double spaced. We would suggest you use a clear plain font for readability (e.g. Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman) but there is no official font, no.
Good luck!
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Do the 4000 have to be the first of your novel ?
Kristie – Yes! We are firm believers that the first 4000 words of your novel should be the best and most exciting.
Hello! I just wanted a quick clarification about the ‘previously published’. As part of NaNoWriMo, I won a free proof copy of a novel I’d written via Createspace. It has NOT been available to the public, so I was wondering – would you consider that as being published? Or should it be fine? It had an ISBN attached to it (but the book has not been self-published – I just got a proof copy!). I do, however, plan on revising the novel extensively, and it will be VERY different from the proof.
Lady Warrior — that’s a tricky one. If it had an ISBN assigned, then it may have technically been published. Why don’t you email us on enquiries@hotkeybooks.com with more details — like the ISBN — and also let us know if you signed a contract and the basics of what that contract said.
Hey, thanks! I just sent an e-mail over! So excited for this.
Okay, even on a technical level, it seems you would have only been self-publishing with that ISBN, so you’re in the clear to submit. Good luck!
I’m so excited to take part in the contest, though I do have a question. If we don’t make it this year, and we take part in the contest next year, are we able to submit the same manuscript? Obviously, it would undergo some changes between contests to be made a better contender.
We haven’t thought that far ahead, yet, so I can’t say for sure. But I always advise writers to consider writing something totally new — that way, you increase your chances of finding readers by 100%. Suddenly, you’ve gone from one chance, to two chances — double the opportunities!
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Hi! It’s me again! Sorry! I just have a few more questions before sending my entry.
1) the text has to be 4000 words without counting the authors name and the manuscript title that should be on top of every page, right?
2) what about the short biography that it’s mentioned in the application form? Is it mandatory to send one? Should it be sent in as a separate attachment?
Thanks! sorry for the trouble.
Don’t stress about the word count. We’re allowing a 10% leeway, not including the name and title. We would like a short biography, and I think it is part of the application packet, so I guess, yes, it is mandatory. It should be a separate page, but doesn’t have to be a separate attachment.
This sounds fantastic! What happens to the submissions that don’t get picked though? Can I submit my manuscript elsewhere if I don’t make it through to the later Phases?
Glad you’re excited. We certainly are! You are free to submit your manuscript elsewhere at any time, even during the competition — but if you find representation or a publishing contract, please tell us right away so we can remove your submission from consideration. If you aren’t selected, of course, you can submit elsewhere.
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Hi,
This is amazing, thanks so much for the opportunity. I just have a few quick questions:
It doesn’t say anywhere in the T&Cs but I’m sure I read in the earlier comments that there is a 10% grace either side of the word count for the initial submission, is this definite? Also, and this may be a really stupid question, but you said you have booksellers on your judging panel. Does this effect any booksellers wanting to enter?
Many thanks!
Yes, we haven’t included it in the official T&Cs, but it is definite that we’re allowing a 10% leeway. We have already selected the bookseller for the panel, so unless that’s you, it won’t effect you at all.
Hello! I won a local short story contest last year and am participating in another one right now. Both prizes are in cash, but the works aren’t commercialized. The one I won last year was published in a little book containing all the stories that won, but like I said, they aren’t for sale or have an ISBN. Is that considered non-published?
Thank you!
HI Eliana – thanks for your question, it sounds like you are eligible to enter. Good luck!
I wish I could enter this contest as my face lit up with excitement reading about it! Unfortunately my novel is 255,000 words long and cannot be condensed due to the pacing of it. I do wonder, however, if J.K. Rowling was turned away for making the last four books in her series for young adults longer than 80,000 words.
Hi Rob, like I said to Brooke above, I think that’s too long for a YA novel. You are welcome to submit the first 4000 words and, if you are successful, we might be able to work together to break the story up into more than one satisfying book.
The story, at the moment, is divided between two volumes, the first of which I have already written and the second will likely be another 250,000 word epic. The volumes contain three books of ten chapters each, but I have a bad feeling that it would alter the story too much to divide them into a sequence of novels. It looks like I won’t be able to enter this competition, but thank you sincerely for your offer of guidance.
I have an idea in mind, some of the main themes are sexuality and religion. I don’t want it to be vulgar or obscene, and references will be subtle and implicit. However, I feel this subject may be too much for a reader of 13 or 14. I feel the target audience is around 16+. So I guess my question is, does my submission have to be readable for a 13 year old or does it just have to fall within the age range of 13-19?
Jamie, it just has to fall within the range. AIming at 16+ is fine. Good luck!
I’m looking to write stories about queer teens to improve queer representation in literature (which is quite frankly abysmal and makes me cry every time I enter a book store). Is this appropriate for your company or this competition? I’ve heard of some publishers turning away or trying to edit out queer characters. I really want to enter your contest, because I definitely think I have what it takes, but I don’t want to get my hopes up if my story is being judged by someone who may be homophobic or if Hot Key Books has no interest in publishing books with queer characters as the protagonists.
Hi Shauna. We judge each book and character on quality and originality, not on sexual orientation, and would be happy to receive your submission. But there are plenty of wonderful authors out there that you can take inspiration from, filling up the book stores. Julie Anne Peters, Malinda Lo, David Levithan, Alex Sanchez… the list goes on.
Okay my next question: If we submit the first 4000 words and then write and edit and rewrite over the summer (as I tend to do for everything I write), and we are chosen to be one of the 10 semi-finalists, does the first 4000 words have to be the same as what we originally submitted or could it be edited/changed so long as it follows the same course of events?
It doesn’t have to be the same word for word, but it shouldn’t be too far off. Those first 4000 words will be what has won the judges over and beaten all the competition.
Hi! I’m just wondering about the synopsis and short bio: Do they also have to be in 12 pt format, double space? Because it’s difficult to make a decent synopsis for a 50k-80k story with that format. No problems for the bio, of course, but can the synopsis be a smaller font with larger spacing, as long as it’s very clear? Or 12 pt font, but with single spacing?
Hi Motzie – no the synopsis and short bio don’t have to be double-spaced. They should be close to 12 pt format, just so it’s readable but single spacing is fine.
Hi! This sounds great, I’m just wondering how the application form works seeing as it needs to be sent electronically. Is the idea to print it off, fill it in, then scan it back in again?
I realise that I’m probably being a bit dim here!
Yes, that’s the idea. We need people’s signatures on the form, so please do scan in the completed form.
Hi! This sounds like an amazing opportunity. I just have a question, because I’ve been working on a story for quite some time now, but originally I wanted the storyline to span over several books. Is the novel allowed to have an open ending? This would of course mean that the whole storyline wouldn’t be revealed in the first novel, so if it’s allowed, how should one write the synopsis?
Yes, it can have an open ending, but it should be a satisfying story in its own right with a beginning, middle and end. Cliff hangeres are great and leading into next books are great, but the complete book does need a complete story. (See Patrick Ness’s Chaos Walking trilogy for a great example of that.) The synopsis can just reflect that.
Hi, I was wondering, does the 4,000 words have to be from the beginning of the novel or selected from a different chapter inside the novel?
Hi Efe, Yes! It must be from the beginning. The beginning 4000 words should be the most exciting anyway!
A third question, I’m afraid. You’re going to get tired of me soon! XD The rules state, “Entries must be the unaided original work of the entrant….” Does this mean that I cannot send this to a friend to look over for mistakes or a bit of polishing before I submit? All writing would be mine, of course, but I like to have friends beta and help me improve upon whatever I’m working on. So what counts as “unaided?”
Hi! I’m not part of the site (heheh, so don’t listen to me) but my opinion is that they mean you’ll have to have made the idea and written the story. Edits with friends is probably okay if it’s just to get their comments or some grammar/vocab stuff. No co-authoring, I assume, though I’m not clear on that.
I actually had a small translating job done by a friend for my French character, but I’m sure that’s acceptable
It’s probably relative to the amount of work you do. So if you do 90% of the work and get a little help, I think they’ll allow it.
That a legal term because we have to make sure there is no plagiarism. If the work is your creation, that’s fine. Getting feedback from trusted friends is entirely allowed and encouraged!
Hi, I’m planning to enter but I don’t have access to a scanner. I don’t own one and the only one in my university is out of order, supposedly until the end of term according to the librarian. I can print out the form without a problem but I have no means of scanning the completed form back into the computer to email it back to you.
Hi Sophie, if scanning the form in is a real problem, we will accept postal forms. Email the submission to our email address and say you are sending in your application form, that is fine. We can’t accept submissions by post though, so make sure to email your extract!
Hi, thank you for getting back to me. Just one last question, in the email, do I have to write anything? Maybe say, ‘I am submitting this story, application form, biography, etc..? So you know what is what.
A little cover note can’t hurt, but isn’t necessary. As long as you include everything that we need.
Thank you for all your help. I have attached the things you require on the email and submitted it. Hope everything goes smoothly. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
Great! Good luck.
Oh My Goodness, this is amazing. I’m in the final edits of a novel I have written and is aimed at 9-12 year olds. It would be perfect for this. Such a fantastic opportunity. Thanks!
Ooh, glad to hear it! Looking forward to reading it.
When you say ‘may not have commercially published
any work of fiction, but may have had published an essay, story or poem in an anthology’ what does that mean exactly? I have published several book reviews for an online source, and just wrote ten devotional works for a religious devotional book. Does that count?
I’m not sure, but aren’t devotional works and reviews not fiction?
So isn’t it okay?
Book reviews are fine, but for the other project were all ten works in the same book? If so, how many other works were in that book besides yours?
Um . . . I believe all 10 will make it in the book. It’s a whole year devotional with each writer doing 10 devos . . . so there’s at least 9+ other writers working too.
Motzie makes a good point — are the devotional works fiction? If not, then you are good to go.
So about the biography…is it kind of just about where you grew up and how long you’ve been writing and what you’re doing right now?
And this is a really silly question but should it be in 1st or 3rd person?
Hi Grace, your biog should be something that you would imagine as your author bio – a little bit about your background and what you’re doing now as you say. Most are normally in the 3rd person but don’t worry too much if it’s in the 1st person, whatever you are most comfortable in. Good luck!
This is probably a dumb question, but how important is the title of our work? I’m really nitpicky about choosing a title, and I feel like it will be easier once I’ve written a lot more of the story, but I also understand that it’s much more meaningful to have something more than just “Untitled.” If I was selected to move on to the second round and wanted to change the title of the full manuscript before submitting it would that be okay? I just want to have all my bases covered.
Hi Amanda, Titles are so super subjective and it’s very smart to be thoughtful about your title. I’m sure you could change your title between stages if you wanted, but if the judges totally loved your first title, you might want to stick with it!
Hi really excited about this competition! Can you enter a submission to each age group, or just one? Also, how detailed should the synopsis be? Thanks!
Hi Jen, you can only enter once so you do need to choose an age category to submit into. Your synopsis should be approximately one page, and should give us a good understanding of how your story will progress. Good luck!
Thanks! Also is it ok to use a working title? And if finished manuscript differs from synopsis, mine is still a work in progress! Thanks again
Hi Jen. Yes absolutely okay to use a working title. The finished manuscript shoudn’t vere too far off your synopsis (I.e major plot changes etc) but obviously we’d allow for the synopsis to develop slightly when the finished manuscript is delivered. Best, Sarah
Hello again! Quick question, I am using * symbols to break up the text (such as where there are flashbacks)Microsoft Word counts these as words, but do they count in the wordcount for the entry? Thanks!
Hi Jen – I think we can allow the * to be outside the word limit…don’t worry.
Hi,
I submitted my work last night and anxious as I am, I need to ask if I should either a: expect a confirmation email or b: cool my jets and quit worrying that it’s not been received.
Hi Joe – everyone should receive a confirmation email, and we’ve just checked the inbox and we don’t seem to have yours. Would you mind resending to youngwritersprize@hotkeybooks.com?
Okay, wow, good thing I asked!
I checked and the original was sent to the right address, so it might actually end up going through twice, but that’s preferable to not at all! Fingers crossed.
Hi Joe – we have it now! Best of luck.
Brilliant, thanks for your help!
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Hi . my question is basically , since my story has a bunch of different terms and backstory to it , is it alright if i make a sort of 1 page index at the beginning explaining what each thing means ( bullet form if necessary) ? will this count in my 4000 words ?
Hi Max, it would count in your 4000 words, but it would be best if your terms were explained by context and backstory were woven in, in tiny bits of detail, inside the narrative. Good luck!
Hey , another question . My friend and i came up with this story a while ago . Is co-writing allowed ? If not , what can i do about this situation ?
Hi Max, our rules are specifically for one person, I’m afraid. We are still accepting unsolicited manuscripts, though.
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A couple more questions.
You’re only allowed to send 4000 words, but is it like +/- 100 words or something? Having a hard time shorten it down by now!
Another question, are you allowed to enter other competitions? Not with the same piece of work of course, but with something else?
Thank you!
Hello! We are allowing a 10% grace, so plus or minus 400 words is fine. You are allowed to enter other competitions and submit to agents, but should you progress in either field please let us know. If you have anymore questions, take a look at our FAQs – you might find them useful
http://hotkeyblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/young-writers-prize-faqs.pdf
What is your stance on co-authored work? Even co-authored work under a joint pen name? Just for my own personal curiousity.
In general, co-authored work is great. For this competition, though, we need it to be one person’s work.
Thank you for your previous answer. I have another question. On every page that this contest has been advertised, they seem to describe the author you’re looking for as the “next Roald Dahl or J.K. Rowling.” I can’t help but wonder if it’s mostly fantasy like stories that you’re looking for. For me, children’s books ( in the 13-19 category) are also young adult books, and some of the best ones out there, in my humble opinion, are more “real”, like The Catcher in the Rye and The Outsiders. Are you looking for commercially viable stories or GOOD stories that might not be the trend in books nowadays?
I can confirm wholeheartedly that we are looking for GOOD stories.
Hey. I sent my entry in this morning, and I haven’t got an email back yet. Does this mean I need to resend it? I don’t want to duplicate it! Thanks! x
Hi Sophie! I’ve just had a look and we received your entry- have you got the email now? Anyway, it’s all fine at our end
Good luck!
Hey! Yes I have now, thank you.. sorry for worrying unncessarily! Thanks! x
Just a quick question–what if you would like to be published under a nom de plume?
I believe our form allows for that. If it doesn’t, then just write your real name for contact details and that you wish to be published under a nom de plume and tell us what it is.
Another 2 questions– Is editing allowed before the final manuscript is turned in, and what do you do if you want your book to have illustrations?
Yes, editing is allowed, but if you beat out all the other entrants, you probably won’t want to change it too much, as your original submission will be what the judges fell in love with.
Oh, and illustrations would be something we’d discuss once we’d chosen our winners and discussed publication.
Thank you so much! That’s just the information I was hoping for.
I am very excited about this competition! I am preparing something but I do have another short story that is 2,000 words and I was wondering if this would be allowed or does it have to be 4,000 words? Also I have written a commentary for it, would this do as a synopsis or do I need to write one as well? Thank you for all your help, can’t wait to (hopefully!) submit.
Hi Isabella, your entry needs to be the first 4000 words of a novel (check t&cs for the official lengths for each category), so I’m afraid you can’t enter your short story. Sorry about that, but look forward to reading something else for you!
Ok, thank you for your help, I just wanted to make sure! Hopefully I can have something polish by the 31st! Thank you for your time.
I’m sure this is a very stupid question. By midnight May 31 do you mean the start of May 31, as in 0:01am or the end of May 31, as in 23:59?
Hi Helen, It’s the end of 31 May, so 23.59 on the 31st of May. Not a stupid question – I would want to be sure myself.
Hi, I’m sorry to bother you, but I was reading through the comments to see if you had put up specific formatting for the synopsis and have only found that it needs to be 12pt font single- or double-spaced. As I’ve noticed synopsis formatting seems to very, would you mind giving me a few more specifics as to what you’re looking for (header, etc., not content, that I understand
)? Thank you very much and sorry!
We’re really trying to find out what the rest of your story is. So, we’re after a one page synopsis of your plot, to make sure you know where the story is going, and that it’s going somewhere interesting/good/unique. The formatting isn’t too important, just the content!
Hi, I was just wondering does it have to be exactly 4000 words? I know there is a 10% grace, but my first chapter is 3500 words. It seems silly to add 500 words from the next chapter when the extract would not then finish at a logical point.
Also what happens if you submit a story into one age category but you think that it is more suitable for the other? I’m thinking of submitting mine to the 9-12 age category and I couldn’t submit it in the 13-19 as it is only 40,000 words, but I think it could possibly be classed as both.
Thank you for your time
Hi! Bearing in mind that 3500 words is so close to the 10% grace of the 4000 maximum limit, yes you are fine to submit where you best think your extract should end.
As for the category, submit your story to the age range that you think it best fits under – if we think it needs to move, that is something we can discuss further down the line.
Good luck!
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I hope this hasn’t already been answered, because if it has I’ll look silly. If I my novel is supposed to be the first in a series, should I include in the synopsis a very brief overview of where I intend the series to go? I mean I think my story is a complete, and conclusive story on its own, but it does leave open some areas that will be relevant later in the intended series.
Hi Edward! Yes it would be great to include something brief in your synopsis on how you see the series progressing, but make sure it stays within the page limit. Hope this helps, good luck!
Thank you, I will!
hi. I’d like to know, if the plot of the novel / the characters etc is co-thought up , but the writing itself was done by me, is that OK ? ( with the permission of the other person that is )
Hi Dan, as long as you have the express permission of the other person involved in the though process and the writing itself is your own work that should be fine
Good luck!
Hi everyone! We’re have a final live chat to answer any last minute questions or queries about the Prize – TODAY at 5pm on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/HotKeyBooks – please join us!
Hey,
Would you like everything to be in one document, or would you like the first 4000 words, synopsis and short biography as seperate documents?
Hi Carleigh – separate documents is fine, and the synopis and biog don’t count towards the word count don’t worry. Good luck!
Hi, just wondering…
If you’re picked and your full novel happens to be over the 80,000 word limit…. what would happen?
thanks,
Hi Amanda, that’s when the editing starts
The word counts are average ranges for each age group, you should aim to be close to them, just so your novel has the best possible appeal for your readers. However, if you got picked and you were a bit over the limit we would discuss ways to address this further down the line. Good luck!
Okay, that does help and thanks a lot! But a bit over the limit is an understatement… :/
Hi, I’m just a little unclear on one thing. It says that self published works are allowed; does this mean that entries can have been previously self published or just that you can still enter something else if you have something self published?
Hi Marina, yes you could submit the same story, but let us know details of where and when you self published it. Sometimes though it’s great to get something new down too though, but it’s up to you. Good luck!
Hello, I was curious. Will there be another contest like this next year? And if we do submit this year, but do not make it, would we be able to submit again if there is another contest next year?
Thank you!
HI Simone, sorry for the delay. We would hope to run again, yes, and absolutely okay to enter every year! It probably be worth making sure it’s a new piece of writing though, so you have the best possible chance again. Good luck!
I submitted my entry today! Just waiting for the email to let me know that you guys received it
Hi there – we had a lot of entries over the weekend, so they are just being logged now – you should receive an email today. Let us know if not. Good luck!
Hi
I wrote a novel last year that I’m hoping to submit for the competition, but the first 4000 words is only the first chapter — is that alright?
Thank you
Hi Becky, yes, that’s fine – it’s a long chapter! But we do need the first 4000 words of your book, no min or max chapters…Good luck!
Does “unpublished” mean that any college student who’s had a piece of nonfiction essay appear in an academic journal is disqualified? Or any college student who has published an article in a newspaper, online professional blog, etc? Or does this just mean “unpublished fiction?”
They replied to me about this question earlier and confirmed it was just fiction.
Hi there – yes, it’s unpublished fiction, so you are fine to enter. Good luck.
Synopsis one page double spaced?
Found my answer further along the thread. Great job moderator with answering all these concerns. You must be a pro!
Quick question – can the novel be part of a series? (I’ve written the first book, intended to be part of a series of books.) – thank you! This is such an exciting competition!
Hi Mandy, yes, it’s fine for to be a series, but remember that each book should be a fulfilling story in its own right. Good luck!
Quick question! I have a tablet for drawing/doodling. If I import it to Photoshop, can I just sign there? I don’t have access to a scanner. And if I do, should I reconvert it into a .pdf?
Yes, that sounds good.
Another question, sorry! For the synopsis, you want a lot of detail and mention major characters. This book isn’t finished yet (but I plan on having it finished by September 1st), so I don’t really know if I’ll be adding or subtracting characters that I mention in the synopsis. No matter how well I plan a story, I always end up with extra characters or plots when I write or even during edits (I’ve created entire chapters and subplots for other stories during my final edits). So is this okay? I do know my main plot and my main characters, but I’m not sure if I want to make everything truly concrete until I have the final edit ready to hand in if I’m chosen.
For the synopsis, the goal is for us to know where the story is going, to know that you know where the story is going. Lots of detail about all the characters isn’t essential. Good luck!
I sent in my submission a few hours ago. What would be a potential timeline for receiving a confirmation email? I’m kinda paranoid
Never mind. I just got the email. Thanks
My synopsis is a page and a half and I just can’t seem to break it down any less. Can we change the margins of the .doc file? So long as the font is 12pt?
It’s got to be a page! We haven’t set hard and fast rules about the margins. etc, but it does have to be readable.
Hi,
I submitted my documents via email and was going to send out my application pages by snail-mail tomorrow (I have no access to a scanner). However, a friend told me I could use a free program to fill out the .PDF. Would you accept a second email from me with the application filled in this way?
-Amanda B
Hi Amanda, the deadline for all documents to be submitted is midnight GMT tonight, so if you send your application pages through the post tomorrow (after the deadline) your entry will unfortunately be void. By all means use this program, but please be aware that we need a signature where it is indicated (even written through a graphics tablet would be fine) – your name typed will not be accepted. Good luck!
You could take a photo of your signature and email that? You have your submission in, which is the essentail part, but we have to be pretty rigid about our deadline. We’re happy to receive a second email from you with the signature in it.
Yes that would be good! Or just fill the whole form in on paper and take a hi res photo of that if that is easier for you – we have had a couple of entries like that
Awesome!!! Thank you, guys; I will take a photo.
Thank you so much! I used the PDF filler and then also sent a photograph of my signature. Thank you for your help.
Just wondering how long it’ll take for the confirmation email to come through. I know a lot of people will probably be sending theirs in on the last day but how long would you give it before I try sending it again just in case it failed the first time? I’d hate to miss out because of an email malfunction.
The confirmation email is done by an actual real person, who is not in the office at the moment. If we don’t have your submission — if you don’t get a confirmation by noon tomorrow — send us an email. We’ll still accept your submission knowing that you tried to send it in before the deadline.
We’d hate for you to miss our because of an email malfunction as well! But I’m pretty sure you’d get a failure notice if it was rejected for some reason.
I’m getting endless failure notices. Have tried sending from 2 different email addresses. 3 .PDF documents and a .jpg file. any advice?
On the PDF Document where it says ‘Name’ and ‘Surname,’ can this be a nom-de-plume/the name we want to [potentially] be published under, or does it have to be our legal/official names?
Name and surname should be your real name, please.
Just submitted my piece, I have been writing and rewriting all day nervously! Phew!
Ooh, exciting! Good luck.
I’m trying to submit and I’m getting a delivery failure notice? Any advice?
Twice now – delivery failure notice both times. Three PDF. documents and a photograph. What’s happening!?
I got the same thing! I had to compress my biggest PDF (which was over 1000 KB) in Photoshop down to below 500 KB. It’s definitely frustrating! There’s a cap for email attachments on their end.
Sorry about that! Glad you figured it out though.
Yeah, I’ve ended up submitting everything as word documents. Had to take a picture of my application form army scanner didn’t work and load it into Word to shrink it right down. Such a mission. Think it’s finally gone though.
Sorry about the hassle, but thanks for persevering. Really looking forward to reading your submission!
Eek! It might be the file size? You could reduce and resend? That has worked for other people. But don’t worry: if we don’t have your submission — if you don’t get a confirmation by noon tomorrow — send us an email. We’ll still accept your submission knowing that you tried to send it in before the deadline.
Ok, fantastic thank you.
Have you got a maximum file size/attachment size? So that I have something to aim for?
I am sure we do, but I don’t know what it is, I’m afraid. Just try to reduce without losing quality, and resend — or we’ll figure it out tomorrow.
Still haven’t gotten a confirmation e-mail! So, noon tomorrow might be when I get it? I don’t need to try to resend?
If you sent after 5pm-ish today, you won’t have had a confirmation email, because these are done by actual live people who are not in the office right now. If you don’t have one by noon tomorrow, send an email and let us know.
Great, that’s a relief! Big thanks for answering all these questions so promptly! You and all the people working on the blog have been awesome!
Thanks! (It’s a good thing there is a whole team of us!)
Just sent my submission, four minutes from the deadline! Desperately hoping it makes it under the cut!
Good luck to everyone who submitted!
Four minutes under is four minutes under! You shoudl get a confirmation email tomorrow morning. Let us know if you don’t.
I hope you are lenient in your time frame for submissions. I either submitted it eight minutes late, or twenty four hours and eight minutes late, I’m not sure which. I’m in America too, so that was even more confusing. (fingers crossed)
It would have been eight minutes late. (she says turning a blind eye)
I’m in Paraguay and I think I sent my submission in on time, but I still haven’t received a confirmation email and I’m kind of worrying. My application isn’t attached because my printer decided not to work in the worst of times and I’m trying to fix it. If I attach it now can it still count? Pretty please!!
Hello, Paraguay!! Confirmation won’t come until tomorrow. Do send in your form as soon as possible.
Thank you so much! I sent everything in now. The whole time thing was so confusing. (5 hour difference)
I am a little confused by the acceptance email. The time between short list qualification and full manuscript entry date is almost nothing. Clarification?
The idea is that you will be writing and/or polishing your full manuscript now and throughout the summer until October. That way, when we get in touch after selecting the short list, your full manuscript will be ready to go right away.
I’m full of questions, I know. What’s the rule for posting snippets of our novels to personal blogs such as on Tumblr or Facebook as we’re writing? Is it allowed or do you discourage it?
I don’t think we would disallow or discourage it. We, and likely you, wouldn’t want the whole thing available easily for free, because then it would be more difficult to get people to pay for it. But snippets are fine, I’m sure.
Is there any way we’ll get to know how many people applied? At least an approximation?
Watch this space – we are going to announce it next week! : )
Are you posting the metrics today?
Hi Christina – it will be next week – Monday we hope!
We are working on some infographics!
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Sorry to have missed this competition! Do you have plans to hold a similar one in the future?
Yes, we do hope to. I expect it depends on how well this one turns out!
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Just a small question: Does being published in web zines count as “commercially published?”
Hi Janet. I’m afraid the competition is closed. But no, a webzine wouldn’t count.
I just realized I sent in 2,000 words instead of 4,000. I cannot believe I made such a dumb mistake. Wow. Automatic disqualification?
No, not at all. If your 2,000 words are absoutely stunning, then you’ll be fine! And we’ll just look forward to reading the rest at longlist time.
How strict will you be with the word count on the full manuscript submission? My story (in the 9-12s) is sitting at about 28,500 words and I’m now just editing…
Not strict at all. Those numbers are just guidelines. Your word count sounds great.
*deep sigh of relief*
If by some blessing from Zeus my entry gets chosen, would it be bad to make a complete change in the plot once the time comes to submit the full manuscript? Would that be grounds for disqualification?
Sorry to take so long to reply to this! This trick is… if it does get chosen, it will be because the judges thought your plot was more brilliant that 350 others… so making a radical change might be a good thing? But then, again, you’ve got to write the story you want to write, so if you have to change it… change it. And if you aren’t selected for the short list, then you’ll have something totally new to submit for next year. Good luck!
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Hi, Unfortunately i have a problem. I entered my 4 chapters in the competition, but this summer i’ve begun my 2 year compulsory military service in my country. Due to this i find myself with barely any free time to continue writing. I’m not saying this out of overconfidence or whatever, but IF my story gets chosen, is there any chance i’ll have an extended period of time to write it ?
Hi George,
Sadly we aren’t able to extend the writing period. However, you could always enter again next year, or even in a few years – who knows what stories you will have come up with in that time!
Cait
So so far, how many entries have you guys looked over?
Any promising works? I’m not like, asking for names or anything, just checking how the evaluation is going. And is it possible to like more entries than the shortlist for you guys? Hahah!
Hi Motzie! We’ve looked through a LOT of entries so far – I reckon we’re well over the total half-way point, and I’m pleased to say that I finished my portion of the entries last night. So, my long-list has been chosen! Drum-roll please.
Thanks for your question!
Naomi
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