If you've been dreaming of seeing your crime novel on bookstore shelves, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. The Joffe Books Prize 2026 is officially open for submissions―and it's a chance for one aspiring author to launch a publishing career with one of the UK's leading independent publishers.
The competition is looking for unpublished crime fiction from writers who are not represented by a literary agent and who identify as being from Black, Asian, Indigenous or other minority ethnic backgrounds.
Eligible entrants must also be either UK residents or British citizens living anywhere in the world. Whether you've written a psychological thriller, a domestic suspense novel, a cosy mystery, or a police procedural―your story could be exactly what they're looking for.
Better yet, you don't even need a finished manuscript. Writers can submit the first 10,000 words of either a completed novel or a work in progress.
The winning author will receive an incredible prize package, including:
1. A two book publishing deal with Joffe Books.
2. A £1 000 cash prize.
3. A £25 000 Audible audiobook contract for the first book.
4. A two year membership to the Society of Authors.
To enter, writers need to submit a cover letter explaining their writing journey and eligibility, a one paragraph summary of the book, a full synopsis including spoilers, and the first 10 000 words of their manuscript.
Email all to prize@joffebooks.com
Entries close on 30 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT, with the shortlist announced in October and the winner revealed in November.
Even though I wouldn't qualify for this particular competition, I still love sharing opportunities like this because someone reading this blog might. As someone who knows how daunting the publishing journey can be, I also know that opportunities like these can completely change an author's career.
If you're eligible, don't let self-doubt stop you from submitting. Every published author started with a manuscript and the courage to send it.