This year’s Great Novel Contest drew a pool of exceptional writing from talented writers across a variety of genres. Thank you to everyone who submitted work to the contest. Find the full list of finalists here.
With so many great submissions, our judges took their time to pick this year’s winner. In the end, the decision was unanimous:
Fellow Travelers by Jesse Bethea is the Grand Prize Winner of The Great Novel Contest 2019!
From one of the contest judges: “Fellow Travelers is a fast-paced trip through time and into a world where everything has happened, is happening, and will happen. This science fiction tale combines world building and clever characters to craft a story that will keep readers engaged until the end. Amazing manuscript!”
Congratulations, Jesse, and well done!
Jesse will receive a formal publishing contract from Bellwether, as well as $3,000 in author development services from Columbus Publishing Lab. Stay tuned for more news of Fellow Travelers in the coming weeks.
We can’t wait to see Fellow Travelers in print!
Thank you to Columbus Publishing Lab for sponsoring this contest and making it possible. Columbus Publishing Lab provides publication and marketing services for authors and small presses. They help self-publishers make smart decisions and see a return on their investment. Learn more at www.ColumbusPublishingLab.com.
Becoming Nora by Margaret Kirby is the official Runner-up of The Great Novel Contest 2019!
From one of our judges: “Becoming Nora explores the intricacies and complexities of relationships. Through tight prose and exceptional character development, Margaret Kirby reveals how closely our identities are entwined with those we care about the most.”
Congratulations, Margaret! You’ve won $1,000 of services from Columbus Publishing Lab, to be used as you see fit!
The remaining eight finalists will receive a letter of recommendation for agents and publishers, as well as a publishing consultation from Brad Pauquette.
All submissions were judged “blind”—no names, history, demographics, or identifying information was shared with the judges.
Learn more about The Great Novel Contest here, and mark your calendar for next year!