The prize is open to unagented writers, who are unpublished, self-published or independently published without advance. We welcome writers of every age, gender, nationality and residency.

The winner of the Bath Children’s Novel Award 2025 will be announced in February 2026 and awarded £5,000 along with our beautiful Minerva trophy, inspired by the iconic sculpture in Bath’s Roman Baths.

Shortlisted writers win a compilation of Junior Judges’ comments on their full manuscripts. Longlisted writers win a compilation of award readers’ comments on their extract and synopsis.

One longlisted writer will also win a place worth £1,980 on the 18-week virtual course Edit Your Novel the Professional Way from Cornerstones Literary Consultancy and the Professional Writing Academy.

Entry fee is £29.99 per novel, with sponsored places available for writers on a low income.

Find out more here

Deadline: 30 November 2025