Scribner Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is pleased to announce the launch of the fifth 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, Scribner Books and Simon & Schuster aim to help catalyze that change by amplifying voices that represent us, by publishing books like us.

 

The BOOKS LIKE US First Novel Contest is rotated among Simon & Schuster’s other adult imprints. Previous contests have been administered by the Atria Books, Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster, and Avid Reader Press imprints.

 

The Submission Period begins at 12:00:00 AM ET on July 8, 2026 and ends when either (i) 500 eligible Submissions have been received or (ii) 11:59:59 PM ET on July 14, 2026, whichever occurs first. During 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. While the contest is open to all genres for adult readers, writers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Scribner’s publishing program to ensure their book is a good fit before submitting. At the end of the submission period, the editorial, marketing, and publicity team at Scribner Books will review all submissions for originality, relevance to today’s publishing climate, and writing quality. In December 2026, the author of the selected novel will be awarded the opportunity to enter into a $50,000 book deal with Scribner Books.
 
Please see Official Rules and the FAQ section below for further details.

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

 

 

The Submission Period begins at 12:00:00 AM ET on July 8, 2026 and ends when either (i) 500 eligible Submissions have been received or (ii) 11:59:59 PM ET on July 14, 2026, whichever occurs first. Because the submission portal may close early once 500 eligible Submissions have been received, writers are encouraged to submit their work as early as possible. 

 

 

The winner will be provided a list of literary agents who have expressed interest in representation to contact. 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 written primarily in English, though “code-meshing” is welcome.
 

How long should my manuscript be?

Finished manuscripts should be between 50,000-80,000 words.

 

 

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 previously participated in the BOOKS LIKE US contest, you’re welcome to enter again 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. Finalists will be notified on or about October 14, 2026 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 September.