Contests

Get Your Work Seen!

Welcome to our CONTEST PAGE!

“I am a first time author who is horrible with criticism, but decided to enter a contest from The Writer’s Sanctuary. The encouraging and constructive comments I received gave me confidence and made this an unforgettable experience.”
— Ashley

Previous Finalist & Semi-Finalist Judges

  • Samantha Fabien

    Literary Agent at Root Literary

  • Marissa Meyer

    NYT & Internationally Bestselling Author

  • Kiana Nguyen

    Literary Agent with Donald Maass Literary

  • Lauren MacLeod

    Senior Agent at Aevitas Creative Management and co-Vice President of the Association of American Literary Agents board of directors

  • Kristin Rens

    Exec editor of picture books, MG, & YA at HarperCollins Children's Books

  • Literary Agent & Owner of Root Literary

    Holly Root

    Literary Agent & Owner of Root Literary

  • Monica Rodriguez

    Literary Agent & Brand Management Director at Context Literary

  • Barbara Poelle

    Literary Agent & Owner of Word One Literary Agency

  • Jodi Meadows

    NYT Bestselling Author - and Co-Author of My Lady Jane

  • Sarah Gerton

    Associate Literary Agent at New Leaf Literary & Media

How Our Contests Work:

  • We host writing contests each year for writers of all calibers.

  • Contests consist of a 1st page, query letter, or synopsis. The correlating manuscripts do not have to be finished.

  • First and second round entries are judged by seasoned authors, editors, and/or literary agents. Finalist entries are judged by editors and literary agents.

  • Semi-finalist entries, finalists, and the winners are announced publicly.

  • Once the contest wraps up, agents and editors are welcome to request any manuscripts (if written, or once they’re written) from entries they enjoyed.

  • Prizes are announced when a contest begins.

  • Entry fee is $25.

Get your writing seen by publishing professionals and enter to win an incredible grand prize! 

Sign up for our newsletter to get an alert straight to your inbox when the next contest is set to begin!

Our 2024 & 2025 Winners

  • Alexandra Larkin

    1st Page Contest Winner, Spring 2025

    PRIZE: An exclusive twelve-month Iconic writing mentorship with C.J. Redwine and Mary Weber. An introduction to an agent at Root Literary. A 5-page author custom-built website. A complete developmental edit on an unpublished manuscript (up to 100k words).

  • Alessandra Spaulding

    Query Page Runner-Up, Fall 2024

    PRIZE: Professional editing Query Letter & 2-Page Synopsis polishing. And a $50 gift card from Barnes & Noble.

  • Dana Black

    Query Page WINNER, Fall 2024

    PRIZE: A 30-minute 1-on-1 consultation with Root Literary agent Kurestin Armada. Professional feedback on your query letter and the first 3 chapters of your manuscript. A One Year Membership in the Red Herrings Society. And a Social Media Promotion Package from LemonPOP Social.

  • Jennifer Dyer

    1st Page Contest WINNER, Spring 2024

    PRIZE: A 12-month Iconic writing mentorship with C.J. Redwine and Mary Weber. An introduction to an agent at Root Literary. A custom-built 5-page author website. And a complete developmental edit on an unpublished manuscript (up to 100k words).

  • S.E. Babin

    1st Page Contest Runner-Up, Spring 2024

    PRIZE: 2-call coaching package with Mary and C.J.

  • Lana Pattinson

    Query Page Runner-Up, Fall 2024P

    PRIZE: Professional editing Query Letter & 2-Page Synopsis polishing. And a $50 gift card from Barnes & Noble.

  • Cassie & Megan Siechert

    1st Page Contest Runners-Up, Spring 2024

    PRIZE: 2-call coaching package with Mary and C.J.

  • Adrienne Garrison

    1st Page Contest Runner-Up, Spring 2025

    PRIZE: 2-call coaching package with Mary and C.J.

  • Ruth Anne Burrell

    1st Page Contest Runner-Up, Spring 2025

    PRIZE: 2-call coaching package with Mary and C.J.