Discover Mystery Contest

A project of Poisoned Pen Press (see other related projects).

This project is believed to be defunct. (April 2015)

About

Poisoned Pen Press would like to announce the first annual Discover Mystery Award, a first book contest for unpublished writers trying to break into the mystery genre. This spring, join us by entering your mystery manuscript in an effort to win a cash prize, the Discover Mystery title, and a publishing contract from Poisoned Pen Press. At Poisoned Pen Press, we take our mission to “Discover Mystery” very seriously. We’ve always prided ourselves on the discovery of new writers, and now we’re on the hunt for fresh voices and new stories. We’re not afraid of something different, either, so if you’ve got a mystery, we want to see it! Poisoned Pen Press is waiting to discover you!

Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions.

Country of Publication

United States

Publication Medium & Contest Frequency

Print Publication Print Publication: Awarded 1 x per year

Fiction Believed Defunct

Audience:

Unknown

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Open to all/most Subgenres

Lengths:

Novel: 60,000 - 90,000 words.

Styles:

Open to all/most Styles.

Topics:

None found.

Winner's Prize:

Semi-pro advance (US$200-1999) + No royalties Semi-pro advance (US$200-1999). No royalties.
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.
Multiple entries: Multiple entries are NOT allowed.
Media: Text.

Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

Recent cover image or website screenshot for Poisoned Pen Press

Go to contest webpage

Report:
Correction/Update

Support this Publisher:
Buy Book(s)

Discover Mystery 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.

This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months.

Your Submissions

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Poisoned Pen Press DNQ

The Poisoned Pencil CLOSED

Before Submitting

We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. 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.

Dates

Last Updated: 22 May 2026