Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair 2025

The Irish Writers Centre is calling for submissions to its annual Novel Fair competition. Described by The Irish Times as a 'Dragon's Den for writers', Novel Fair is an annual literary competition for aspiring novelists.

About the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair 2025

Throughout the month of September, the Irish Writers Centre welcomes unpublished (and unsigned) novelists to get their manuscript sample and synopsis in top shape for submission to Novel Fair 2025. Described by The Irish Times as ‘A Dragons’ Den for writers,’ twelve winners will be invited to participate in a two-day event where they will pitch their novels to national and international publishers and literary agents. The IWC team will also help prepare winners for the event and make the most of the opportunity to bypass the slush pile.

This competition has been a career-changing opportunity for writers across the island of Ireland and worldwide, with entries last year from 17 countries. Since its inception in 2011, 36 Novel Fair winners have found a home for their debuts. Winners have gone on to win or be nominated for The Rooney Prize, Costa First Novel Award, Irish Book Awards, Carnegie Award, The Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award, and many others.

“If it wasn’t for Novel Fair, I wouldn’t have an agent, a publisher, a book, a window into the real life world of writers and writing.  I’m glad I didn’t know what was ahead of me at the time, I’m not sure I’d have known how to handle the wonder of it all.”

Orla Mackey, 2022 Novel Fair winner

Orla Mackey pitched her debut novel Mouthing at Novel Fair in 2022. It was at the Fair where Mackey met her literary agent Nicola Barr (The Bent Agency). Shortly after signing with her agent, Mouthing entered a multi-publisher auction which led to Mackey signing with Hamish Hamilton, a literary imprint of Penguin U.K.

Published in May 2024, Mouthing has been described by the Irish Times as ‘a bittersweet love letter to small-town Irish life over several generations.’

How to apply

To enter the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair 2025, applicants are required to submit a 10,000-word extract of their novel, as well as a 300-word plot synopsis.

The entry fee for applications is €55. Members of the Irish Writers Centre can enter for a discounted fee of €45. Thanks to the support of the Arts Council, the Irish Writers Centre provides 20 free submission places for unwaged/low income writers.

Submissions to Novel Fair 2025 will be via Submittable and will open on Sunday 1 September and close on Monday 30 September 2024.

Full details on how to apply can be found on the Irish Writers Centre’s website.