The Masters Review Novel Excerpt Contest A project of The Masters Review (see other related projects). About Writing a novel is tough work, and we want to encourage everyone who’s undertaking this arduous journey to share their most exciting excerpts. We’re looking for resonant narratives, memorable characters, a voice that’s uniquely yours. We’re looking for excerpts that stand alone, that do not require a synopsis for understanding. Most importantly, we’re looking for excerpts that grab us from the get-go and refuse to let go. As always, we have no limitations on genre, though we are primarily interested in literary fiction. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $20 (average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2021 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationUnknown contest frequency AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed The Masters Review Novel Excerpt Contest's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. More ChallengingThe Masters Review Novel Excerpt Contest's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveThe Masters Review Novel Excerpt Contest's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Fiction Open Fee-based Dates:Open to fiction submissions through 08 November 2026 11:59 PM PST (in 60 days).8Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novel Excerpt: Up to 6,000 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 $3,000 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 FacebookInstagram @the_masters_reviewX (Twitter) @MastersReview For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Masters Review Novel Excerpt 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 21 reports from 21 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 41 min | 87.4 mean avg | 85.0 median | 154 max days (310.3 std dev) Responses 100.00 % 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: 100.00 % (84.0 avg. days per rejection) | 14.3 % personal, 57.1 % form, 28.6 % unspecified | 4.8 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals - Pending 3 responses are pending (6 min | 132.7 mean avg | 71.0 median | 321 max days waiting | 166.3 std dev) from 3 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 on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 30 Mar 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 09 Nov 2025. Date compiled: 09 Sep 2026 23:26 UTC (1 hour, 18 minutes 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 Masters Review Best Emerging Writers Anthology Charges fees for all submissionsMasters Review BlogThe Masters Review Chapbook Open ON HIATUS Charges fees for all submissionsThe Masters Review Debut Fiction Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsThe Masters Review Fall Fiction Contest ON HIATUS Charges fees for all submissionsThe Masters Review Featured Flash Contest CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsThe Masters Review Flash Challenge CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsThe Masters Review New VoicesThe Masters Review Prize for New Narratives CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsThe Masters Review Reprint Prize Charges fees for all submissionsThe Masters Review Short Story Award For New Writers Charges fees for all submissionsOctober Scarefest! CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSeptember Selects CLOSED 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: 01 Sep 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. 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