How it All Works:

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So you want to win the $2000 cash prize for the 2025 HFC Grand Prize Best Book-of-the-Year?

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We offer 12 awards categories. You can submit to one category, or multiple categories. Entry fee is per category.

• Select genre.

• Then, select category.

• Award badges are given for first, second, and third place in each category.

• ONE Grand Prize winner is chosen from the first place category winners.

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Eligibility

• Novels may be Pre-published Manuscripts, ARCs, Self-published, Indie Published, or Traditionally Published.

• E-pub accepted.

• All published novels must have ISBN/ASIN designation, manuscripts are not required to have this designation at the time of submission.

• Entries must be in the English language.

• No erotica.

• We accept all works, no matter the year of publication.

• Novels must be 50,000 plus words. No maximum word count (we like big books and we cannot lie!)

• For works that are less than 50,000 words, please use the NOVELLA category.

• You may enter in more than one category. However, each entry must be accompanied by the entry fee.

• You may enter more than one novel into a given contest.

• Default winners will not be declared. Contests are based on merit and writing craft.

• Digital Files must be submitted in MOBI, EPUB, or PDF.

• Audiobook submission must submit a PDF on the submission form and then a CODE via our company email, referencing your entry form submission.

• Fees and Digital files must be received before midnight on the day of the deadline.

• Please read our Terms and Conditions.

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Each work entered will be judged on the following criteria:

• Compelling storyline

• Editing and Formatting

• Character Development

• Continuity

• Satisfying Ending (happy or sad)

• First Line and Paragraph Hook

• Uniqueness

• Writing Craft

• Story Arc

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Each work submitted will make its way through our rounds of competitions.

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Editorial Review plus Contest Entry; and Contest Only Entry Submissions judging:

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All books submitted for an editorial review are read in full by HFC reviewers and given a star rating for the contest.

Semi-Finalists announced on December 21st of contest year.

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FINALIST SHORT-LISTED Winners are determined from the LONG-LISTED Selections and announced on December 31st of contest year. Award winners in each category will be notified and awarded badges in Honorable Mention, Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

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Overall Competition between the GOLD CATEGORY SHORT-LISTED WINNERS to determine the Grand Prize "Book of the Year" winner.

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The OVERALL GRAND PRIZE "Book of the Year" WINNER is chosen from the Gold category winners.

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The 2025 Overall Best Book winner will receive $ 2000 plus prizes and promotion.

Gold, Silver and Bronze category winners will receive prizes according to the list at the bottom of this page.