• Pre-register: January 30, 2026 - $35
• Special Entry: March 20, 2026 - $45
• Early: May 20, 2026 - $55
• Regular: August 25, 2026 - $60
• Late: September 22, 2026 - $65
• Extended: October 15, 2026 - $70

What if my book is unpublished?

Writers with unpublished material may submit to the Unpublished Contest.

If my book is about to be published, is it eligible?

Yes! If your book is getting released later in 2026 or 2027, you can register and submit at any time.

How should I send my submission?

Electronic submissions only. Hardcopies mailed will be disqualified. Selected text and synopsis must be uploaded during registration. If the entrant is only in possession of a hardcopy of the book, we'll accept image files of the first appx. 5,000 words.

If I’m submitting a book and it spills over the 5,000 work count limit, is that okay? What if I just submit the whole thing?

Absolutely. If you want to send in selected text—say, the first two chapters—and a natural break occurs around 6,000 words, that's acceptable. We'll also accept the full file, just note only the synopsis and sample are reviewed in judging.

What should I include in my synopsis?

The synopsis should be a general summary of the story, hitting on the major plot points, beginning to end (yes, please spoil the ending). If you're submitting part one of a broader series, the synopsis should include a brief overview of the entire series. Synopses should be roughly 1-3 pages in length.

For judging, we need to get a sense of the complete project's conceptual and narrative scope. This, combined with the writing sample, will help us (and industry execs) make an initial determination on the adaptation potential.

Can international writers enter?

Yes, applicants outside the U.S. are welcome to enter any Book Pipeline contest.

For short stories, do they need to be published? What types of short stories will do well?

Accepting unpublished or published short stories (as long as the film/TV rights are available, of course). Preferably a story with a great twist on the genre, something that stands out in terms of concept or the hook, and has legs for adaptation—in other words, the premise has the proper scope for a film or series. If you follow the Hollywood development pipeline, you know a LOT of short stories have sold in recent years, and many of Pipeline's manager and producer partners are actively on the lookout for ones to develop.

What genres have the best chance?

Since 2014, we've had winners and finalists range from memoir/nonfiction, to sci-fi, to crime/mystery, horror, romantic comedy, historical fiction ... While the film and TV industry tends to lean in certain genre directions, every year, you'll see a wide range of IP going into development. Only requirement is a compelling, unique story.

Do I receive feedback on my entry?

Feedback is kept internal, but unpublished work may be submitted to the Workshop. If you'd like feedback only on your book's adaptation potential without entering the contest, that can arranged via the Workshop as well for a separate review fee. Email us to inquire.

Will you accept pitches only?

All submitted works must have been already published. If you have a pitch for a film or TV series, or a screenplay or pilot, those can be submitted to Script Pipeline.

Contact our coordinator with any other questions.