The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

 

If you’ve written a children’s or young adult novel and dream of getting published without an agent, the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition may be the opportunity that changes your writing career forever.

Recognised as the biggest children’s writing competition in the UK, this annual contest has launched the careers of many successful authors and continues to be one of the most respected gateways into traditional publishing.

Whether you’re based in the UK or anywhere else in the world, this guide breaks down what the competition is about, who can enter, what they’re looking for, how to submit, and how to maximise your chances of success.

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What Is the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition?

The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition is an annual writing contest run by Chicken House Books, one of the UK’s leading publishers of children’s and young adult fiction.

It is designed specifically for:

▪️Unpublished

▪️Unagented

▪️Adult writers (18+)

who have completed a full-length novel for readers aged 7–18.

The competition gives writers the rare chance to have their work read by:

▪️Professional children’s publishing readers

▪️The Chicken House editorial team

▪️A prestigious panel of judges from the publishing industry

▪️And most importantly—to win a publishing contract.

Why This Competition Matters So Much

For many writers, especially those without access to agents or publishing networks, breaking into children’s publishing can feel impossible. This competition exists to remove that barrier.

Here’s why writers worldwide take it seriously:

✔️ Open to international entrants

✔️ No literary agent required

✔️ Your full manuscript is read

✔️ Professional feedback for longlisted and shortlisted entries

✔️ A real publishing deal, not just a trophy

If you’re serious about children’s writing, this competition is one of the most credible doors you can knock on.

The Two Major Prizes You Can Win

In 2026, the competition offers two incredible prizes, making your chances even better.

🏆 1. The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Prize

This is the overall main prize.

What the winner receives:

A worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House

A £10,000 advance against royalties

A discussion about literary representation with Callen Martin of Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency

The winning manuscript will be selected based on:

Entertainment value

Originality

Writing quality

Suitability for children and teens

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🏆 2. The Broken Binding Prize (YA Speculative Fiction)

This prize is specifically for:

Young Adult fantasy

Science fiction

Speculative fiction

What the winner receives:

A publishing contract with Chicken House

A £10,000 advance

A discussion about representation with Stevie Finegan of the Zeno Agency

👉 You do not need to enter separately. If your manuscript fits these genres, it will automatically be considered.

Who Can Enter the Competition?

You are eligible if you:

✔️ Are 18 years or older

✔️ Are unpublished (no commercially published children’s novel)

✔️ Are not represented by a literary agent

✔️ Have written a complete novel for ages 7–18

✔️ Live anywhere in the world

You CAN still enter if:

You’ve published short stories, poems, or non-fiction

You’ve self-published your novel

You’ve entered the competition before (with a revised manuscript)

You CANNOT enter if:

You already have a literary agent

You’re under 18

Your book is for adults, picture books, or short story collections

Manuscript Requirements (Very Important!)

Your submission must include one single Word document containing:

A covering letter (maximum one page)

A full synopsis (maximum one page, spoilers included)

The complete manuscript

Word Count Guidelines

Suggested range: 30,000 – 80,000 words

Shorter or longer manuscripts may still be considered

📌 Formatting doesn’t need to be fancy. The manuscript will be read digitally, so clarity matters more than design.

Submission Fee & Deadline

📅 Deadline

11:59am (UK time) on 1st June 2026

Late submissions will not be accepted, so don’t wait till the last minute.

💷 Entry Fee

Standard fee: £25

Reduced fee: £20 (for writers experiencing financial hardship)

You can request the reduced fee without proof, simply by emailing: competitions@chickenhousebooks.com

before 29th May 2026 (UK time).

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

What Happens After You Submit?

Here’s how the judging process works:

▪️Professional readers review all entries

▪️A longlist is selected

▪️The Chicken House editorial team creates a shortlist (about 5 books)

▪️Industry judges select the final winners

▪️Feedback Opportunities

▪️Longlisted writers receive a reader’s report

▪️Shortlisted writers receive judges’ comments

▪️Winners receive publishing and agent discussions

▪️Longlist announcements usually happen in August, shortlists in September, and winners in November.

Tips from Barry Cunningham (Chair of Judges)

Barry Cunningham is famously known as the publisher who signed Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.

His advice to writers consistently emphasises:

Strong, distinctive voices

Stories that truly entertain children

Emotional honesty

Confidence in your storytelling

In short: write the book only you can write.

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Answers)

Can I submit more than one manuscript?

No. One entry per person.

Do submissions have to be anonymous?

No. Your name can appear in the document.

Can I update my manuscript after submission?

Only if your entry hasn’t yet been downloaded by Chicken House.

Do they accept postal submissions?

No. Online submissions only.

Will everyone get feedback?

No. Feedback is provided only to longlisted and shortlisted entries.

Final Thoughts: Should You Enter?

If you have:

A finished children’s or YA novel

No literary agent

A genuine passion for young readers

Then yes—this competition is absolutely worth entering.

It’s not just about winning. Even being longlisted can open doors, boost confidence, and help you understand where your writing stands in the professional world.

For many writers, this competition has been the starting point of a lifelong writing career.

Ready to Enter?

APPLY HERE

The 2026 Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition is officially open.

Prepare your manuscript, trust your story, and take that brave step forward.

Your readers might be waiting.

‎📣 Spread the Word

‎Don’t keep this opportunity to yourself.

‎Tag a writer, share with friends, and let others know.

‎Your story could be the one that inspires a new beginning—for you and for someone else.

‎Write. Inspire. Win.

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