08 July, 2025

International Debut Novel Competition 2025

Are you the next big voice in fiction?

On Friday 1 August, the Irish Writers Centre will open its doors to the International Debut Novel Competition (IDNC), a revamped version of Novel Fair, until Sunday 14 September 2025, whose sole mission is to continue to find the newest voices of literature. The competition has helped launch dozens of writing careers over the past fourteen years as 12 selected winners get to bypass the slush pile and pitch their debut novels directly to top publishers and literary agents, either in person or online during a two-day hybrid event.

“It’s changed my life and catapulted me into the literary world in a way that would have taken some time on my own. That’s if I would’ve broken in at all.”
Lauren Mackenzie, 2021 winner, author of The Couples

After submissions close on the 14 September, an international panel of expert judges will review submissions anonymously from mid-September to early November before the 12 winners are notified on Friday 7 November 2025 via “The IDNC Phone Call” – a life-changing moment for the participants.

“Novel Fair will forever stand out as one of the highlights of my life. It’s only since Novel Fair that I’ve dared to call myself a writer. And even know, that word sticks in my throat a little.”
Orla Mackey, 2022 winner, author of Mouthing

After The Online Prep Day on Friday 21 November, The IDNC Pitch Days will take place on Thursday 27 November and Friday 28 November 2025, a two-day hybrid event where the 12 IDNC winners are given the opportunity to pitch their debut novels to national and international publishers and literary agents.

This competition, called the ‘Dragon’s Den for Writers’ by the Irish Times, has seen previous winners going on to win or be nominated for The Rooney Prize, Costa First Novel Award, Irish Book Awards, Carnegie Award, Kate O’Brien Award, The Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award, Comedy Women in Print Award, and many others, with more than 37 international winners going on to have their debut novels published including Kevin Curran, Beatsploitation, Michelle Gallen, Big Girl, Small Town, Sue Divin, Guard Your Name, Alison Langley, Ilona Gets a Phone and Rachel Blackmore, Constanza.

“Because of Novel Fair, I’m getting to live out a dream that had seemed practically impossible just hours before signing on to my first agent / editor meeting.”
Hesse Phillips, 2022 winner, author of Lightborne

How to apply?

  • To enter, applicants are required to submit a 5,000-word extract of their novel, as well as a 500-word plot synopsis.
  • The entry fee for applications is €65. Members of the Irish Writers Centre can enter for a discounted fee of €58.50. There will be 10 free entries for student / unwaged or senior, proof required.
  • Submissions to The Irish Writers Centre’s International Debut Novel Competition will be via Submittable and will open on Friday 1 August and close at 11.59pm GMT, on Sunday 14 September 2025.
  • Full details on how to apply can be found on our website.

“I learnt a huge amount about writing, myself and also what works and what doesn’t work from a published perspective.”
Miki Lentin, 2020 winner, author of Winter Sun)

The Synopsis Disarmed

To coincide with the opening of submissions, Lauren Mackenzie, 2021 winner for her debut novel, The Couples, will be facilitating a one day, in-person course on Saturday 9 August at the Irish Writers Centre, The Synopsis Disarmed. For full details, see the course listing

Submissions for the Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition

open on Friday 1 August and close at 11.59pm (GMT), Sunday 14 September 2025.

Are you the next voice in literature?

About the Irish Writers Centre

Founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is Ireland’s leading resource and development organisation for writers. Its vision is to support the life of the writer, recognising the impact writers have in illuminating society with their ideas and words.

Through its Creative Writing Academy, the Centre delivers a year-round programme of over 150 creative writing courses, masterclasses and seminars, both online and in person. It also runs a National Mentoring Programme and administers a range of development opportunities for writers, including residencies, competitions and bursaries.

Operating on an all-island basis, the Irish Writers Centre is a membership organisation and a registered charity.

To become a member of the Irish Writers Centre, click here.