First Page Challenge A project of The Darling Axe / The Chopping Blog (see other related projects). About If you want a reader to buy your book or an agent to offer you representation, then it only makes sense to have a stunning first page. That's what the First Page Challenge is all about—we're open to fiction or narrative nonfiction, short stories or full-length manuscripts. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is CAD $5 (below average for contests). Want more insight into the editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s). Country of Publication Canada Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Collapse section Fiction Open Fee-based Rolling Submissions:Next cutoff date is 30 September 2026* (approx. 19 days from now).2Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novel Excerpt: Up to 250 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: CAD $700 First Place.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Open Fee-based Rolling Submissions:Next cutoff date is 30 September 2026* (approx. 19 days from now).Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Narrative Nonfiction: Up to 250 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: CAD $700 First Place.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @septimusbrownX (Twitter) @DarlingAxe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope First Page Challenge 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: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Group by submission Include related projects Accuracy We have received 2 reports from 2 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Pending 2 responses are pending (55 min | 76.5 mean avg | 76.5 median | 98 max days waiting | 30.4 std dev) from 2 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: CAD $5.00. Most recent response reported was received on 22 Oct 2025. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Sep 2025. Date compiled: 11 Sep 2026 23:42 UTC (less than a minute ago). 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! Related ProjectsAn Axe to Grind Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsClash of the Query Letters CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsThe Synopsis Skirmish CLOSED Charges fees for all submissions Before SubmittingWe 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. DatesLast Updated: 24 Jul 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