This post deals with two writing competitions with the same deadline – 1st July. One is a short story competition, and the other is a novel competition where the first round requires submitting the opening 5000 words.
Historical Writers’ Association: Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition
The annual HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition is open to submissions. The entries must be historical fiction. Word limit: 3500. Entry fee: £5. Deadline: July 1st. More information here:
Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition
The Cheshire Novel Prize
From the website: We close to entries at midnight GMT on 1st July 2026. If you are entering from overseas, please note the competition opening and closing times are based on GMT (UK) time.
You can enter as many novels as you like. But each novel fee is £29. You can enter novels previously submitted in previous years.
The rules are on this page: Cheshire novel prize rules.
From the website: The ONLY worldwide prize offering feedback to EVERY single entry for no extra cost.
Also from the website:
Please submit the first 5,000 words of your novel followed by a 500 word synopsis on the SAME document so that the synopsis is pasted directly underneath your 5,000 words and headed ‘Synopsis.’ Please include plot spoilers in your synopsis. Your synopsis will not be published or discussed at any time.
Please note: if you get through to the longlist, you will be asked for another 15,000 words.
If you get through to the short list, you will be asked to submit the entire novel. Please check the timeline in the entry rules.
While I’ve mentioned some of the rules here, please check the competition guidelines and rules and don’t rely on this post.
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