What 500 words can do: Real stories from last year’s First 500 finalists

Ever read the first few lines of a story and just had to keep going? That’s exactly what the First 500 Novel Competition is all about. It’s a celebration of those opening 500 words that hook us, pull us in, and leave readers desperate to read one more page.

Last year, we had over 1,000 writers throw their stories into the ring, and wow some of those first 500 words were unforgettable. But don’t just take it from us. Let’s hear from some of last year’s finalists. They’ll tell you what it was like to enter, what they learned, and how those first few hundred words changed their writing game.

Spoiler: it might just inspire you to finally hit send on your own entry.

Mike Murray, 2024 Jericho Writers First 500 Finalist

“There are so many writing competitions that it’s difficult to know which ones suit you and your work. Finding ones that help you grow as a writer is key. The thing about the Jericho Writer’s Opening 500 words competition is that it’s free to enter if you’re a Premium Member but the discipline it requires is why I enter each year. Working to a deadline, studying previous finalist entries, and any published novel, the task is clear, how can you make your novel opening stand out.

I’m lucky enough to have been a finalist and this then challenged me to read my work live to the Jericho Writers audience, a rare development opportunity. Being a finalist is a confidence-building exercise, and persistence pays off. I’m a better writer for simply entering, and a more confident one for doing well. 

Go enter!“

Kelly Jackson, 2024 Jericho Writers First 500 Finalist

“When I entered Jericho’s First 500, I didn’t expect to get anywhere. I saw it as an incentive to polish my first chapter, a learning experience. I thought, ‘If I don’t enter, I’ll never know.’ Plus, as a JW member, it was free to enter, a no-brainer really.

When the email arrived saying I was a finalist, I was so happy that anyone would have thought I’d just won an Oscar. Writing can be such a solitary thing; you convince yourself no one will care about your words. And then suddenly, someone does. That tiny bit of recognition changed everything. It wasn’t about winning; it was the strange, wonderful thrill of knowing my words had actually made someone feel something.

At the finals, I read my excerpt to a panel of judges, including literary agents. How often does a debut author get that kind of captive audience? That alone was priceless. Plus, their feedback is now proudly quoted in my query letter.

Being a finalist pushed me to take myself seriously as a writer. To anyone hesitating to enter: please do it. You’ve already done the hard part by putting words on the page; now let someone see them.“

Richard Martin, 2024 Jericho Writers First 500 Finalist

“I was a finalist in 2024 and the whole experience was immensely positive and rewarding. To read my work out alongside the other talented, supportive writers felt like a big honour, and then to receive feedback from not only the agents on the panel but other authors who had entered the competition was really special. Reaching the final gave me the impetus to push on with ‘China Doll’ and believe in it, and I am now coming towards the end of the first draft and looking to submit to agents early next year.“

Michelle Sanchez, 2024 Jericho Writers First 500 Finalist

“Writing contests have become an addiction of mine, and I love talking about them with other authors! My first contest win occurred when I was still drafting my Gothic horror manuscript, and having strangers select my novel as best in the YA category boosted my confidence and motivated me to complete that novel. My most recent contests included becoming a finalist in the 2024 Jericho Writer’s First 500 and The Caledonia Novel Award—which led to additional interest before I signed with my literary agent. If you are an author trying to decide if you should submit to Jericho Writer’s First 500, my short answer is, “Yes! Do it!” because writing contests grew my confidence as an author, helped me polish my first pages, provided valuable feedback on my submission, and placed my work in front of publishing professionals. You never know what could happen, but even making a longlist is an accomplishment to pad the bio portion of your query letter. Submitting your work shows you are brave, determined, and resilient—all important traits of successful authors!”

The First 500 Novel Competition isn’t just about winning prizes (though there are some pretty amazing ones). It’s about seeing what your writing can do, getting feedback from real-life pros, and being part of a community that gets how nerve-wracking and exciting those first pages can be.

So, what are you waiting for? November’s your chance to put your first 500 words out into the world. Who knows? Those words could be the start of something amazing. Your story is waiting let’s see what it can do!