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Applications are currently being accepted for the Val Wood Prize for Creative Writing 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
The Val Wood Prize 2026 is a short fiction writing competition for writers who want to create an original story inspired by the title of one of Val Wood’s published books.The competition encourages writers to explore how a title can shape a story’s idea, mood, character, setting and direction.
Prizes
• First Prize: £100 and a signed copy of Val Wood’s upcoming novel.
• Two Runners-up: Each will receive a signed copy of Val Wood’s novel.
• Publication: The winning entry will be published on www.valwood.co.uk and promoted via Val Wood’s social media channels
Entry Rules
• Theme: Titles.
• Word count: Maximum 1,500 words.
• Genre: Any, except poetry or brutality/graphic/violent content.
• Eligibility: Open to writers aged 16 and over.
• Limit: One entry per person.
• Originality: Entries must be original, unpublished, and not submitted to any other competition.
• Story requirement: Entries must be based on the title of one of Val Wood’s books, and the story must clearly reflect the chosen title.
• AI-generated work: AI-generated work will not be accepted.
• Edits: No edits can be made after submission.
Submission Details
• Deadline for entries: 5:00pm (BST), 31 August 2026.
• Submit your entry to: [email protected]
• Email subject line: Val Wood Prize: Titles
• File format: Word or Pages document.
• Include with your entry: Your name, address, phone number, and email address.
Apply for Val Wood Prize for Creative Writing
