First Chapter Contest
We know how challenging writing first chapters can be. You want to intrigue, without overwhelming. You have to entertain, without distracting. You have to hook the reader, capture your audience, and help them understand your complex world without information overload.
Crafting a first chapter is a challenge, and we believe you're up for it!
We officially and cordially invite you to wow us!
THE FIRST CHAPTER CONTEST DATES:
April 20, 2023 - May 5, 2023.*
*The end date changed because of excellent participation. We have to cap the contest.
WINNERS will be announced no later than June 1. Check our IG @stagbeetlebooks for updates.
Winners receive cash awards, bragging rights, and an open invitation to submit a full manuscript for consideration. That's right, they get a free pass to the front of the line for submissions, even if we are closed to submissions at the time. The submission doesn't even have to be affiliated with the first chapter they submitted!
Winners, your manuscripts are officially SOLICITED.
First Place: $100 USD
Second Place: $50 USD
Third Place: $25 USD
*Winners must be able to receive winnings via Venmo or Paypal.*
RULES:
-First chapters must be no more than 10 pages, font size 12, double-spaced, Times New Roman.
-They must come from novel-length work (or a novel-length WIP)
-Entries must come from UNPUBLISHED work.
-No more than TWO entries per person.
-The work must be MG or YA speculative fiction. It's a big umbrella, folks. Google speculative fiction if you're unsure if your work qualifies.
To Enter:
-Make sure your first chapter is error-free and formatted correctly. Make sure it doesn't exceed 10 pages.
-Email your first chapter to contact(at)stagbeetlebooks(dot)com with the Subject Line: FirstChapter:TITLEOFWIP. If your WIP doesn't have a title yet, put your last name.
-Attach the first chapter as a .doc, .pdf or .docx AND paste it into the body of the email.
-Let us know if it's part of a completed book, or a WIP.
-Type a pun, yes you read that right, a pun at the bottom of your email to show that you read instructions. Any pun will do.
QUESTIONS:
Who are the judges?
Our judges include our YA acquisitions consultants who range in age from 8-17, and members of Our Team. If you wonder why we have young adults as our judges, refer to our page About Us.
Our consultants ages 8-12 will read the MG chapters.
Our consultants ages 13-17 will read the YA chapters.
Can I edit my submission?
Sorry, but no. Once you've sent it, we've got it. Double check your work before you enter.
Can I enter something I've published on Kindle Vella or my personal blog?
Sorry, no. If it's published, it isn't unpublished, regardless of the platform.
Can I enter multiple first chapters?
Yes, you can enter twice. Yes, that means you could, potentially, win twice. We take your name off your entries before showing the judges so they can do a blind read.
Can I enter if I am an author with Stag Beetle Books?
Unfortunately, if you are a member of the team or author family with Stag Beetle Books, you cannot participate in this contest. We already know we love your writing! We are too biased towards you to judge fairly.
Contact us with any other questions!
Best of luck to you all!
Crafting a first chapter is a challenge, and we believe you're up for it!
We officially and cordially invite you to wow us!
THE FIRST CHAPTER CONTEST DATES:
April 20, 2023 - May 5, 2023.*
*The end date changed because of excellent participation. We have to cap the contest.
WINNERS will be announced no later than June 1. Check our IG @stagbeetlebooks for updates.
Winners receive cash awards, bragging rights, and an open invitation to submit a full manuscript for consideration. That's right, they get a free pass to the front of the line for submissions, even if we are closed to submissions at the time. The submission doesn't even have to be affiliated with the first chapter they submitted!
Winners, your manuscripts are officially SOLICITED.
First Place: $100 USD
Second Place: $50 USD
Third Place: $25 USD
*Winners must be able to receive winnings via Venmo or Paypal.*
RULES:
-First chapters must be no more than 10 pages, font size 12, double-spaced, Times New Roman.
-They must come from novel-length work (or a novel-length WIP)
-Entries must come from UNPUBLISHED work.
-No more than TWO entries per person.
-The work must be MG or YA speculative fiction. It's a big umbrella, folks. Google speculative fiction if you're unsure if your work qualifies.
To Enter:
-Make sure your first chapter is error-free and formatted correctly. Make sure it doesn't exceed 10 pages.
-Email your first chapter to contact(at)stagbeetlebooks(dot)com with the Subject Line: FirstChapter:TITLEOFWIP. If your WIP doesn't have a title yet, put your last name.
-Attach the first chapter as a .doc, .pdf or .docx AND paste it into the body of the email.
-Let us know if it's part of a completed book, or a WIP.
-Type a pun, yes you read that right, a pun at the bottom of your email to show that you read instructions. Any pun will do.
QUESTIONS:
Who are the judges?
Our judges include our YA acquisitions consultants who range in age from 8-17, and members of Our Team. If you wonder why we have young adults as our judges, refer to our page About Us.
Our consultants ages 8-12 will read the MG chapters.
Our consultants ages 13-17 will read the YA chapters.
Can I edit my submission?
Sorry, but no. Once you've sent it, we've got it. Double check your work before you enter.
Can I enter something I've published on Kindle Vella or my personal blog?
Sorry, no. If it's published, it isn't unpublished, regardless of the platform.
Can I enter multiple first chapters?
Yes, you can enter twice. Yes, that means you could, potentially, win twice. We take your name off your entries before showing the judges so they can do a blind read.
Can I enter if I am an author with Stag Beetle Books?
Unfortunately, if you are a member of the team or author family with Stag Beetle Books, you cannot participate in this contest. We already know we love your writing! We are too biased towards you to judge fairly.
Contact us with any other questions!
Best of luck to you all!