The Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize A project of Gutsy Great Novelist (see other related projects). About This prize aims to find the best opening page of a novel-in-progress written in the English language. Our judge will be looking at the quality of writing, originality, a sense that a story or bigger narrative is emerging, and whether the opening hook entices readers to turn the page. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. 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 & Year Established United States Established in 2020 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed The Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. More ApproachableThe Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize's overall acceptance rate is higher than most contests. More ResponsiveThe Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 16 June 2027 12:00 AM EDT (in 282 days) through 16 July 2027.Audience:Open to a broad Audience, including: Adults, Young adults, All nationalities.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 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 Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize 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 12 reports from 10 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 42 min | 73.8 mean avg | 43.0 median | 346 max days (149.2 std dev) Responses 100.00 % Acceptances: 8.33 % of submissions accepted (43.0 avg. days per acceptance) | 10.00 % of submitters accepted Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most publishers have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here. Rejections: 91.67 % (47.0 avg. days per rejection) | 18.2 % personal, 72.7 % form, 9.1 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals - Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $20.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 27 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 16 Jul 2026. Date compiled: 06 Sep 2026 21:24 UTC (1 hour, 29 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! Related ProjectsThe Chapter One Prize for Novelists 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: 29 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