CRAFT First Chapters Contest A project of CRAFT (see other related projects). About Isn’t the start of something new incredibly, deliciously exciting? Here at CRAFT, we want to share in that excitement by reading the first chapter(s) of your novel in progress. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions, except for writers from historically marginalized groups (capped). The fee is USD $20 (average for contests). Want more insight into the editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationUnknown contest frequency AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis FasterCRAFT First Chapters Contest's overall average response time is faster than most contests. More ChallengingCRAFT First Chapters Contest's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. ResponsiveCRAFT First Chapters Contest's overall rate of non-response is within a normal range for contests. Fiction Temp Closed Excerpts of book-length fiction only—please submit the first chapter or chapters of your unpublished novels/novellas, completed or in progressAudience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novel Excerpt: Up to 5,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $2,000 for first place.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @craftliteraryX (Twitter) @craftliterary For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope CRAFT First Chapters Contest Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 50 reports from 48 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 30 min | 51.1 mean avg | 44.0 median | 174 max days (31.8 std dev) Responses 98.00 % Acceptances: 0.00 % No publication has a 0% acceptance rate. This data is based on submission reports sent to Duotrope, and we have not received reports of any acceptances yet. Rejections: 98.00 % (49.5 avg. days per rejection) | 14.3 % personal, 69.4 % form, 16.3 % unspecified | 2.0 % shortlisted Non-Responses 2.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: 2.00 % (174.0 avg. days before reporting submissions as never responded) Withdrawals - Pending 9 responses are pending (66 min | 76.5 mean avg | 75.0 median | 94 max days waiting | 439.4 std dev) from 9 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $20.00. Most submissions are acknowledged within one day. Most recent response reported was received on 24 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 02 Jul 2026. Date compiled: 03 Sep 2026 13:54 UTC (2 hours, 58 minutes ago). View report of recent responses from this project Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! 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Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 31 Aug 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only