The Dragon’s Den for Writers – Ireland’s Novel Fair for Unpublished Novelists

Perhaps the first thing to say is that entries are welcome from anywhere in the world. The only proviso is you must be available to attend the Novel Fair event in Dublin in February 2025, either remotely or in-person. The dates are Friday 21 February 2025 (in-person) and Saturday 22 February 2025 (online).

Twelve shortlisted writers will be chosen from the entries. The fortunate dozen will have the chance to present the synopsis of their novel, the finished novel itself and biographical material at the Novel Fair. Leading publishers and agents will be invited by the Irish Writers Centre to meet these writers in-person or through a series of online meetings. To fully prepare them for the day, the winners also receive a place on a seminar on ‘How to Pitch Your Novel’, two weeks in advance of the Fair.

Applicants who are longlisted and who do not make the shortlist of twelve will have their work evaluated and critiqued by the judging panel.

The Novel Fair has been attended in the past by representatives from: Curtis Brown, Penguin Random House, Conville & Walsh, époque, Fletcher & Co, Poolbeg Press, Harper Collins, John Murray, Hachette, Lilliput Press, New Island Books, The Book Bureau, The Bent Agency, Greene & Heaton, Storyline Literary Agency and many others.

What You Have to Send

A synopsis max. 300 words (+/- 10%) and up to 10,000 words sample of your novel (+/-10%). They don’t say it has to be the first 10,000 words but it really ought to be.

The Cost

The cost is high at €55 but you might feel this is a worthwhile investment in yourself. Only you can judge if now is the right time to submit. Members of the Irish Writers Centre can enter for a discounted fee of €45. There were also 20 free submission places available for writers from backgrounds typically underrepresented in Irish literature, but I gather they have all gone.

Deadline

The submission period runs from 1st – 30th September 2024.

If you’re not ready to enter this year, keep next year in mind. Perhaps September 2025 is the deadline you need to get your WIP or that small fledging idea into fighting fit shape.

Lots more information HERE

Photo Credits:
(1) Irish Writing Centre
(2) Toa Heftiba on Unsplash