We have updated our Privacy Policy Please take a moment to review it. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the terms of our updated Privacy Policy.

The Love At First Line Writing Competition

 

Love At First Line Writing Competition

This summer Hodder & Stoughton, bestselling author Mike Gayle and the Romantic Novelists’ Association have joined forces to champion love stories and discover new voices in commercial fiction with a romantic theme, in association with Hachette UK’s The Future Bookshelf.

 

WHAT IS THE PRIZE?

We are inviting all writers from a Black, Asian or Mixed Heritage background to submit the first 5,000 words of a commercial novel with a romantic theme, as well as a synopsis of up to 500 words describing the rest of the story.

 

The winner of the Love at First Line competition will receive a cash prize, a virtual conversation with Mike Gayle, four mentoring sessions with an editor from Hodder & Stoughton and entry onto the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers Scheme.

 

Judges include bestselling writer Mike Gayle, a literary agent (Ariella Feiner from United Agents), the Chair of the Romantic Novelists’ Association (Jean Fullerton), a member of the Hodder editorial team (Nick Sayers) and the host of the Capital XTRA Book Club, Leah Davis.

 

KEY DATES

22nd June 2023 – Submissions open

1st October 2023 – Submissions close

January 2024 – Winner and runners-up announced

 

For queries about the LOVE AT FIRST LINE prize, please email: loveat.firstline@hodder.co.uk

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND SUBMIT YOUR STORY