The Chapter One Prize for Novelists A project of Gutsy Great Novelist (see other related projects). About The Gutsy Great Novelist Chapter One Prize is open internationally to writers over 18 who are working on an as-yet-unpublished novel (fiction only). The prize has been established to support and celebrate novelists and aims to find the best opening chapter of a novel-in-progress written in the English language. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $20 (average for contests). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis FasterThe Chapter One Prize for Novelists's overall average response time is faster than most contests. Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Open to all/most Genres, including: GeneralLengths: Novel Excerpt: No specific word count limits known.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary, Mainstream.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $1,000 for first prize.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 FacebookX (Twitter) @_joandempsey_ For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Chapter One Prize for Novelists 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 6 reports from 6 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 35 min | 48.8 mean avg | 46.0 median | 65 max days (10.0 std dev) Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $20.00. Most recent response reported was received on 14 Apr 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 02 Mar 2026. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 09:02 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 ProjectsThe Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize 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: 07 Sep 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