The Next Big Story contest, launched by online writing school The Novelry, will award $100,000 to one deserving debut writer
A new contest will award one debut writer the opportunity of a lifetime.
PEOPLE can exclusively announce that online writing school The Novelry will launch a new writing contest, The Next Big Story. The contest aims to “uncover fresh literary talent, breaking down barriers and amplifying unheard voices,” per a statement.
A star-studded panel will judge the prize, including Emma Roberts (actress and cofounder of Belletrist), Zosia Mamet (actress and author of the forthcoming book Does This Make Me Funny?), Carley Fortune (One Golden Summer), Yann Martel (Life of Pi), Julia Quinn (the Bridgerton series), Zibby Owens (Blank), Tayari Jones (An American Marriage), Jackie Oshry (The Camper and the Counselor and Toast co-founder) Kimberly Nwokorie (book influencer) and Brady Lockerby (book influencer).
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“There’s nothing more euphoric than being immersed in the world of a good book and to get lost in the words of a brilliant author,” Roberts says. “I’m delighted to be teaming up with The Novelry to judge The Next Big Story and to uplift the future of fiction storytelling — before it’s even published.”
“This is a groundbreaking new writing prize and I’m thrilled to be included on this panel of esteemed luminaries,” Roberts adds.
The contest opens on May 1, and applicants are required to submit the first three pages of a novel to be considered. One deserving winner will receive $100,000, as well as yearlong support from The Novelry to develop their idea into a finished book.
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Founded by Booker Prize-nominated author Louise Dean in 2017, The Novelry is the world’s top-rated online creative writing school. The Novelry offers courses for every step of the writing process, from developing a story idea to editing a finished manuscript. Past students include authors Clare Leslie Hall (Broken Country), Rosie Story (Dandelion is Dead), Nikki Allen (The Hideaway) and more.
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“I am thrilled to be on board with this innovative project that celebrates storytelling,” Jones adds. “Somewhere out there is a writer whose life is about to change. I can’t wait to meet them — and their work.”
For more information about The Next Big Story, visit The Novelry.
