HNS FIRST CHAPTERS COMPETITION
Start sharpening your pencils. The HNS 2026 Conference organizers are pleased to announce the next First Chapters Competition, recognising and promoting excellence in storytelling and the craft of historical fiction and its subgenres.
Competition opening date: 1 August 2025, 09.00 GMT
Competition closing date: 17 November 2025, 23.59 GMT
Entry Fee: £25 (HNS members); £35 (non-members)
Submissions should be the first 3,000 words and a 1-page synopsis of a full-length historical novel that has not been previously published in any form. The competition is open to members of the HNS, as well as non-members. It is open to previously published and unpublished authors. There are ten competition categories for entry:
- Historical Fiction Ancient to 10th century
- Historical Fiction 11th century to 16th century
- Historical Fiction 17th century to 19th century
- Historical Fiction 20th century
- Historical Romance
- Historical Crime
- Biographical Historical Fiction
- Historical Adventure
- Historical Fantasy, Timeslip, Alternate History
- Children’s & Young Adult Historical Fiction
Prizes:
Overall Winner: £1,000 and a competition trophy
Category Winners: £500 and an HNS 2026 Conference ticket (in-person in Maynooth, Ireland, or for the virtual conference option)
Category Winners and all shortlisted entries will receive certificates, social media announcements, banners, and badges for their websites. Each entry will receive constructive feedback.
The competition will be judged through three rounds: book reviewers and Reviews Editors for the Historical Novels Review magazine, and in the final round by writer Martina Devlin, publisher Karen Sullivan (Orenda Books), and agent Therese Coen (Susanna Lea Associates).
For full submission guidelines, rules, details of prizes, judging criteria, and the entry form, please visit the First Chapters Competition web page on the HNS UK Conference website.
