Success Stories

After being listed the previous year for a different novel, Louise won our 2023 competition and as a result Louise was agented by one of our Judges Katie Fulford. Louise’s debut novel has been published in Australia and will be published in the UK in October 2026.

Louise says:

“I entered the Cheshire Novel Prize because the feedback was irresistible. Winning Cheshire Novel Prize 2023 was the first time I was ever recognised for my writing. It was a validating experience. If you’re thinking of entering, just do it.”

Jo was shortlisted for her novel, Lime Juice Money in 2023, which was published in the UK as The Night Lagoon by Harper Collins in the UK in July 2025 and the USA in August 2025.

Jo said about entering The Cheshire Novel prize:

“The Cheshire Novel Prize is a writing competition like no other because it puts writers at its heart. The judging panel is such an incredible mix of agents and publishers and the fact that these people would be reading my work was a dream come true. What Sara has done with this competition is second to none. The way this competition has supported us has been so amazing.”

Emma was shortlisted in 2023 for her novel The Show Woman which was published in the UK by Hodder and Stoughton in May 2025. This was such a personal story for Emma and an ode to her great-aunt who came from a family of show people.

Emma Said about entering the Cheshire Novel Prize:

“When I saw that The Cheshire Novel Prize offered feedback and entered the Top 100 in an agent showcase, it seemed like a fantastic opportunity. When Sara gave me the news I had been shortlisted, I burst into tears. After so long working away on my own, having my work validated in this way, by these incredible judges has been a huge confidence boost.”

Caitlin was shortlisted in 2023 with her novel The Fox Hunt which was published by Electric Monkey in 2026.

This is a wonderful story – a magical dark academia, YA revenge fantasy. Caitlin became a USA Today bestselling author.

Caitlin said about entering The Cheshire Novel Prize:

“The idea that I would get specific feedback was so encouraging. Everything has changed for me since entering this prize and it has given me a lovely community of writers and established a confidence I didn’t have before in sharing my work.”

Lucy Waverley was shortlisted in 2023 with her novel Noble Beasts which will be published by Black and White Publishing in May 2026.

Lucy said about entering Cheshire Novel Prize:

“The idea of getting constructive feedback was too tempting to resist. Being LL and then SL, once it sunk in was a huge confidence boost, plus an enormous kick to get the draft finished.”

Sasha was shortlisted in our inaugural competition and as a direct result of the CNP agent showcase was offered representation by CNP judge Katie Fulford from Belle Lomax Morton. Sasha’s book The Marriage contract was published by Salt Publishing in October 2025.

Sasha said about entering CNP:

“CNP’s kind offer of feedback to all entrants was amazing and I thought that regardless of what happened I’d have some professional feedback to work with. I think entering competitions can give you a deadline to work towards which can be really helpful. And you never know what could happen! Sara  Cox has been so supportive throughout the whole process. It’s been such a wonderful prize to be part of.”

Nicola was long-listed in 2022, and her debut novel ‘10 Marchfield Square’ was published by Raven books in 2025. Nicola withdrew from the competition when she was shortlisted, due to agent representation.

Nicola said about entering The Cheshire Novel Prize:

“I entered CNP partly because of the feedback offered and partly because of the incredible judging panel, and getting longlisted really encouraged me to keep putting my work out there. My debut was published in 2025 and some of my biggest cheerleaders have been my fellow CNP long listees. I’ll be forever grateful that the prize introduced us.”

Claire was long-listed for the Cheshire Novel Prize and her book, ‘The Games We Play’ published by Harper North in July 2026.

Claire said about entering Cheshire Novel Prize:

“Cheshire Novel Prize is very special to me, not only did my longlisting lead to agent representation and a book deal, but Sara Cox's generosity in connecting writers meant that I made some wonderful friends who encourage and support me every step of the way. I would advise anyone seeking to progress with their writing and wishing to engage in the literary community to enter this Prize, it changed everything for me!”

Stephanie’s novel “Thornby Manor’ was published by Orenda books in April 2026.

Stephanie said about entering CNP:

“The Cheshire Novel Prize really is very special. A near-superhuman amount of work goes into providing detailed feedback for every single entrant, and the advice I received was invaluable. It really gave me the confidence boost I needed to push on and continue. I am so glad I entered!”