Oxford/42 New Writing Prize: FAQ

1. I am British but based abroad. Am I eligible?

No. We welcome entrants of every nationality who are living, working or studying in the UK or Ireland at the date of submission until the closing date for entries.

2. Can I submit a PDF?

Wherever possible, work should be emailed as an attachment formatted in Word.

3. Will you provide feedback on my entry?

No. The organisers will contact shortlisted entrants, as per the terms of the Prize.

4. Do you accept life writing?

No, neither memoir nor other works of non-fiction are eligible.

5. I write short-form fiction. Can I submit it?

No, the competition is open solely to novels, screenplays, stage and radio plays.

6. I’m still working on my novel. Is it eligible?

Yes, if you can submit the first 10-15,000 words in addition to the synopsis and elevator pitch.

7. Is it okay to enter a work I have put in for another competition?

Yes. The only stipulation is that it has not been published in print or online and you are not represented by an agent. 

8. I have self-published another work of fiction online/via Amazon. Am I eligible?

If you have self-published work online or by other means you are eligible, provided that your entry is a new work that has not been previously published on-line or elsewhere, and that you have never had a contract with a publisher or agent representation. 

9. Can I submit more than one work?

No, the prize is limited to one entry per person.

10.  I use a pen name. Should I tell you?

No need, unless your work is shortlisted.

11. I have another query.

If your question is not answered above or in the Prize’s Terms and Conditions, please email oxfordwritingprize@42mp.com