Retreat West run by writer Amanda Saint, is inviting submissions for three fiction contests: the First Chapter Competition, the RW Short Story Prize and the RW Flash Fiction Prize.
• The winner of the First Chapter Competition will have their submission (three chapters, synopsis and cover letter) reviewed by Jenny Savill, literary agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates. Submit the first chapter (up to 3,500 words, 12pt font, double spaced) of an unpublished novel for adult readers through the online submission system. The writer’s name must not appear on the manuscript. Submit contact details and a brief bio in the cover letter section of the submission process. There is an entry fee of £15. The closing date is 30 June.
• The winners and shortlisted entries of the RW Short Story Prize will be included in an anthology by Urbane Publications. The first prize winner will receive £350, the second prize winner £200, the third prize winner £100 and shortlisted writers will get £20. Enter original, unpublished short stories in any genre except children’s between 1,500 and 4,000 words. The writer’s name must not appear on the manuscript. Enter through the online submission system, including a short bio. Writers may enter up to three stories. There is an entry fee of £15 for one story, £28 for two stories and £35 for three stories. The closing date is 30 September.