If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a romance that begins with an unforgettable first encounter, the MeetCute Storyteller Competition is calling for your best opening chapter. Run by the Kate Nash Literary Agency, this competition is on the lookout for fresh voices in romance fiction – offering not just a cash prize but the exciting possibility of literary representation for the winner.
And if you’re not quite ready to submit, now’s the perfect time to refine your craft – take a look at our Romance Writing course to strengthen your storytelling and make your meet-cute story ideas truly shine.
From the competition website:
We are searching for the next big voice in romance fiction and we are different from other literary prizes in that the winner will be offered literary representation!
Enter your opening chapter to a romance novel. From sizzle to slow burn, we are open to all types of romantic fiction from romantic comedy to historical romance to newer sub genres such as romantasy and mafia romance.
The MeetCute Festival brilliantly champions the romance genre by bringing authors and readers together and the winners will be announced at this year’s festival in July.
Kate Nash Literary Agency is an author talent management agency representing the careers of authors worldwide from USA Today to Sunday Times bestsellers through to our long track record in growing newer authors into bestsellers.
MeetCute Storyteller Prize Rules
The Prize is open to writers aged 18 or over who are unrepresented by a literary agency.
Entries must be wholly original work written by the entrant. AI generated or enhanced work will be ineligible for entry. Entries may have been previously published or self-published.
The closing date for entries is Friday 5th June 2026.
The winners will be announced on Saturday 4th July at the MeetCute Festival.
First Prize: The first prize winner will receive £500 and an offer of literary agency representation from Kate Nash Literary Agency Ltd.
Runners-Up Prizes: Three runners-up will each receive a one hour one-to-one (1:1) mentoring and editorial meeting with a literary agent.
Head to the competition site for more information and to enter.
