Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is pleased to announce the launch of the third annual BOOKS LIKE US First Novel Contest. The aim of the contest is to facilitate access to the publishing process for writers from underrepresented groups, and to celebrate the diversity of readers across the United States. As the nation strives for progress, Atria Books and Simon & Schuster aim to help catalyze that change by amplifying voices that represent us, by publishing books like us.

The annual Books Like Us First Novel Contest is rotated among Simon & Schuster’s other adult imprints. Previous contests have been administered by the Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster imprints.

A two-week entry period will begin on Friday, September 29, 2023. At that time, writers are invited and encouraged to submit twenty-five pages of an original adult novel using the online form below. The publisher welcomes inclusive, entertaining, and groundbreaking reads with expert pacing, depth as well as heart, and irresistible characters who leap from the page. At the end of the submission period, the editorial, marketing, and publicity team at Atria Books, will review all submissions for originality, relevance to today’s publishing climate, and writing quality. In March 2024, the author of the selected novel will be awarded the opportunity to enter into a $50,000 book deal with Atria Books.

Will the winner receive a book deal?

The winner will be awarded the opportunity to enter into a $50,000 book deal with Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC

Will the winner be paired with a literary agent?

The winner will be provided a list of literary agents who have expressed interest in representation to choose from. The winner is also welcome to search for an agent on their own. Our intention is to allow the winner the option of signing with an agent of their choice.

Can I submit my young adult novel?

We are only accepting adult fiction.

Can I submit my novel in another language, other than English?

The submission must be in English.

If I am a writer who isn’t 18, can I still enter?

Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

Are you accepting submissions from international writers?

No, the contest is open only to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

What if I have previously self-published my manuscript?

Self-published manuscripts are not eligible at this time.

If I submitted last year, can I resubmit?

Yes! If you participated in Gallery Books or Simon & Schuster's Books Like Us in 2021 or 2022, you’re welcome to enter this contest provided the manuscript was never published by any third party or self-published, and otherwise complies with the Guidelines and Restrictions in the Official Rules.

Must my 25-page submission be the opening pages from a completed manuscript?

Yes, that’s correct. Semifinalists will be notified on or about January 30, 2024, and will have one week from notification to submit their final manuscript. For that reason, we recommend that entrants fine-tune their completed manuscripts prior to January.