The Gibson Prize
for Christian Fiction
2026
First Page Competition
Christian fiction, any genre, any writer. Submit the first page of chapter one of your novel-in-progress, and become eligible for cash prizes & shoutouts from @gibson.stephaniejulia.
Review ALL guidelines below before applying.
All entries are read & reviewed by a panel of selected judges.
Entry fee: $15
Early Bird entry fee (deadline January 31) : $10
​Contest closes March 15, 2026
Awards
Growing Prize Purse!
Prizes: A minimum of $150 will be awarded, with $100 going to the first place winner and $50 to the second place winner. For every entry over 50, an additional $5 will be added to the total prize money.
Explanation of Prize structure:
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1st Prize:
$100 + $3 for every entry over 50
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2nd Prize:
$50 + $2 for every entry over 50
First Place
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$100 guaranteed cash prize
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Judge feedback
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Developmental edit of your first chapter from Impact Fiction Editing
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Featured interview + Name, Title of Work, and social media handles posted to stephaniejuliagibson.com and @gibson.stephaniejulia Instagram and Facebook
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Bible Study Book Set
Second Place
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$50 cash prize guaranteed
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Judge feedback
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Developmental edit of your first chapter from Impact Fiction Editing
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Interview + Name, Title of Work, and social media handles posted to stephaniejuliagibson.com and @gibson.stephaniejulia Instagram and Facebook
Honorable Mentions
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Top 20 entries will receive Judge feedback​
Elegibility Requirements
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Entrants MUST be 18 years or older
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Entries MUST be written in English, but may be translated
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Entries MUST be suitable for the Christian marketplace.
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Any AI-generated or AI-assisted work will NOT be considered
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While entrants may be previously published, the submitted entry MUST be from an unpublished & unrepresented work
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Submission fees must be completed, and all formatting guidelines followed. Failure to comply will result in ineligibility, and the entry fee will not be refunded.
