With a new name, a Reedsy recommendation, and nearly a more than half a decade of history, the First Thousand Words contest is back for 2025 (formerly the Novel Opening contest).

When Does The Writerwerx University First Thousand Words Contest Open? 

This contest starts accepting submissions every January 1st of each year. This year, the contest opens on January 1st, 2025 at midnight. 

Who Can Enter the First Thousand Words Contest? 

We accept entries from people who are: 

• 18 years of age or older. 
• The owner of the copyright of any books that they submit to the competition.
• Have a PayPal account where they can receive their cash winnings. 

What are the Submission Guidelines? 

The First Thousand Words contest accepts submissions that are: 

• Openings from published books that are actively for sale on the market (no "unpublished," "inactive," or "out of stock" statuses). 
• No more than 1,000 words long. 
• Written in English. 
• In PDF format.
• Contain only the ISBN of the book and the first 1,000 words of the book (the ISBN, chapter titles, and chapter numbers do not count towards the 1,000-word limit). 

An example video is included on the entry form to show you how to create your entry if you need additional assistance. You may also call us at 404-384-5258 for support. 

 

Which Genres Does the First Thousand Word Contest Accept? 

This contest is open to all genres. The contest is about compelling writing, no matter what category it might fall into. If you're able to make your readers want more after the first 1,000 words, you've got a solid shot at winning a prize! 

What are the Prizes for This Year's Contest? 

There are first, second, and third place prizes available, all of which include both cash and editorial services credits you can use toward grooming your next project! 

FIRST PLACE

• $100 USD paid via PayPal.
• $1,000 in editorial services credits.
• Book opening shared across our social media profiles.
• Book opening shared on our blog.
• Book opening shared with both our free and paid subscribers.
• Headshot and bio on our ‘Winners’ page.
• A digital first-place badge that can be added to book covers and websites.
• Author featured in contest promotions annually.

 

SECOND PLACE

• $50 USD paid via PayPal.
• $250 in editorial services credits.
• Book opening shared on our blog.
• Book opening shared with our paid subscribers.

 

THIRD PLACE

• $20 USD paid via PayPal.
• $40 in editorial services credits.

 

When Does The Contest Close? 

The First Thousand Words contest closes on the last day of February each year. This year, the contest will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on February, 28th, 2025. 

 

How Much is the Contest Entry Fee? 

Each entry has a base cost of $10.

A small processing fee will be charged in addition to that.

You may submit openings from up to five of your published books. If you would like to submit more than one book's opening, it is recommended that you submit all five in a single form to save on processing fees. 

 

How Do I Enter the First Thousand Words Contest? 

Just head to WinItWrite.com and complete the entry form as instructed. Once the judging is all wrapped up, we'll reach out to the winners so that they can claim their prizes. If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for the Writerwerx University monthly newsletter where you'll get event notifications, including updates on contests (you can sign up on the entry form and kill two birds with one stone!).