New Voices | How to Enter

Submissions open 9th January - 30th April 2026 (closing 23.59 BST).

Early bird open 9th January - 28th February 2026 (closing 23.59 GMT).

Make sure you have read the information provided regarding, 'What We Are Looking For', and 'What Is the Programme?' when you are preparing your materials. Being selected as one of five 'New Voices' gives you a programme of support as you write your manuscript. We can offer the most impactful support to writers at the start of their work-in-progress. We understand you may continue working on your manuscript between the submission of your idea at the start of the year and the programme beginning in the autumn, but the programme is not for completed first drafts.

 If you are unsure whether the stage your writing is at qualifies you for the award, please contact us.

submit 

  • Read the Terms & Conditions to ensure you qualify for the Award.
  • Submit your first three chapters (not exceeding 10,000 words) plus a full plot outline detailing where you imagine the story will go (not exceeding 1,000 words), double-spaced, in font size 12.
  • Please do not submit the first three chapters of a manuscript you have already written. This award is designed to support you in developing a fledgling idea into a manuscript, reflecting on aspects such as structure, story arc and character development as you write. The New Voices award is not for full-length drafts.
  • There is an ‘early bird’ entry fee of £20 per submission, which will be available until 28th February 2026, 23.59 GMT. After this date, the entry fee will be £30 per submission.
  • We are keen to encourage writers of all backgrounds and, as such, are offering fee waivers for authors who cannot make the financial commitments of entry. Each waiver will be allocated on a case-by-case basis. We do not ask for financial evidence, but instead ask you to explain why you are requesting it. Please email your request to the Prize Manager, Charlotte, via charlotte@wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org.
  • Entry closes on 30th April 2026, 23.59pm BST.


    Unfortunately, we cannot offer feedback to unsuccessful entrants.