Edinburgh Young Adult Novel Award 2026
Open to writers/illustrators worldwide, published and unpublished, aged 16 to 99+ years. This is a competition for writers and illustrators of young adult fiction – for novels and graphic novels. Collaborations of two or more writers/illustrators are permitted. Unfinished work is accepted.
The Scottish Arts Trust are looking for the most engaging novels and graphic novels on any topic, in any style – they want comedy, romance, drama, horror, queer, contemporary, realist, speculative fiction and more. Novels should be suitable for readers age 12 and older. Entrants only submit partial novels/graphic novels. At no stage are completed novels required.
All longlisted entries will be reviewed by Louise Lamont, young adult specialist at LBA Literary Agency and Lina Langlee from the North Literary Agency.
First Prize: £1500
Entry Fee: £20 per novel
Bursaries for free entry are available to all writers.
Deadline: 28 February 2026