Our next contest is live: The First Page Challenge

The Darling Axe FIRST PAGE CHALLENGE is a writing contest for the best first page of a manuscript. Hook us, and hooks us quickly!

The First Page Challenge is a contest for writers who are shoulder-deep in a new manuscript. Hook us in a single page for a chance to win a growing prize pool, plus publication on the Chopping Blog. As our contest screener and judge read through your submission, they will be asking themselves one question: how likely am I to turn this page and keep reading?

100% of entry fees go toward the prize, so once we hit 40 entries, the prize pool starts to spill over... and trickle down! Here's how this will work:

Up to 40 entries: $200 for 1st prize
At 60 entries: $200 for 1st prize, $100 for 2nd prize
At 70 entries: $200 for 1st, $100 for 2nd, $50 for 3rd
Above 70: 1st place continues to increase – no limit!

Finalists in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place also win publication on the Chopping Blog.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

 

A note in sincerity: some so-called editing websites host writing contests as a ruse to then up-sell contestants into paying to have their submissions edited. A shifty trick indeed! We attest that this is a legitimate annual writing contest, and if winning entries ever need some editing, we will gladly assist without charge.

About the Darling Axe

Our editors are industry professionals and award-winning writers. We offer narrative development, editing, and coaching for every stage of your manuscript's journey to publication.


Work with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services

Work with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services


Book a sample edit with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services



Darling Axe Academy – Query Quest: a self-paced querying course

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