The Big Apple Contest Guidelines

Eligibility:

This contest is open to all published and unpublished authors.
The entry should be the first chapter of a romance that has not been published in any form or under contract with a publisher.
There is a limit of 25 pages. *Please note if your first chapter is less than 25 pages, you should not submit another chapter. Only the first chapter of the manuscript will be read.*

Timeline:

Contest Structure:

First chapter (up to 25 pages). *Please note if your first chapter is less than 25 pages, you should not submit another chapter. Only the first chapter of the manuscript will be read.*
Manuscripts cannot have been previously published in any form or under contract with a publisher. Any manuscript published before December 6, 2025 will be disqualified.
The top five selections move to the final round.

Format:

Electronic submissions only (.doc or .docx)
All entries must follow the standard manuscript format:
- Double-spaced
- Times Roman 12 pt font
- 1 inch margin all around
In the header on each page include the title, category, and page number
Do not include your name on the submission. Please use your programs' privacy features to remove all identifiers from the excerpt.

Cost:

Submission Process:

THE CONTEST WILL OPEN ON JULY 1ST
Once you have uploaded your entry, you will be directed to the payment page. No entries will be read without payment.
Please make certain that you include both your given name, and pen name (if applicable) on the entry form.
Once your entry has been fully processed, you will receive a confirmation email from the contest coordinator.
Authors can enter more than one entry/book for consideration. Each entry must be accompanied by its own payment.

Judging:

Prize:

For questions, contact the contest coordinator at bigapplecontest@gmail.com.