Stockholm Writers Festival 2026
There are presently no open calls for submissions.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The SWF First 5 Pages Prize is open to anyone over 16 years of age. There are no geographical limits to those entering: The First 5 Pages Prize is open to anyone, anywhere around the world. There is no limit to the number of pieces you can enter. Entries must be entirely the work of the entrant and must never have been published in any format. You may enter as many times as you like. You may not enter if you are a writer with agented representation. Writers who are not currently agented may enter (even if previously represented by an agent). You cannot enter if you are related to, or in a personal relationship with, a member of the SWF Board of Directors or any judge of the Prize.
Your manuscript does not have to be complete for you to enter!
How do I submit?
Entries must be the first five pages of your book, novel or novella. Entries should be double-spaced, in Baskerville or Times New Roman, 12 pt font, with numbered pages. The title of your book should appear as a header or footer on each page of your entry. All submissions are made through Submittable. No name, address or identifying information should appear on the document. So, this will be accepted: “HarryPotter.pdf,” or “GrapesofWrath.doc.” These, however, will be disqualified: “TheGrapesofWrathJSteinbeck.doc,” or, “Harry_Potter_Rowling.pdf”.
Upon receipt of your submission, the Submittable platform will confirm receipt by email, referencing a unique number assigned to your submission, and will not reference titles, or names by design. This keeps all identifying information about the submitter completely anonymous during the judging process.
Who judges the Prize?
First round judging will be done by the Stockholm Writers Festival with final judging conducted by a guest from our faculty for 2026. Their decision is final and no individual correspondence can be entered into.
When will winners be announced?
Longlist and Shortlist entries will be notified in late spring of 2026 and announced here on our website. Entry implies acceptance of all the rules. Failure to comply with the entry requirements will result in disqualification.
A note about copyrights
No legitimate contest will ever ask or require you to sign over the copyright of your work. Full stop. You certainly don’t need to worry about it entering the First 5 Pages Prize.