Global Chinese Novel Contest

Open for submissions STORIES CHINESE FICTION AWARDS 2026

Let great stories be seen—and great writers go farther.

Open to Chinese-language fiction writers worldwide, regardless of age, nationality, country of residence, or professional background. Published, online, self-published, and first-time novelists are all welcome.

Free · No entry or judging fee Non-exclusive · Previously published work may enter Author-owned rights · Entry does not transfer copyright
ELIGIBILITY

Chinese-language fiction writers worldwide are welcome.

Novels

Submit title, author name or pen name, introduction, full synopsis, and the first 3–5 chapters or representative chapters. Full manuscripts may be requested later.

Short & medium fiction

Submit the complete work in principle.

Broad genres

Literary, historical, urban, family, romance, workplace, suspense, coming-of-age, diaspora, science fiction, and other original fiction are welcome.

JUDGING

Quality of the work remains the primary criterion.

Major awards are decided primarily by professional and editorial review. Reader feedback is considered, but rankings are not determined simply by clicks or votes.

25Story & plot
20Character
15Language
15Originality
15Depth
10Potential
TIMELINE

From open submissions to the Final Five and the annual award.

  1. 2026.08–12.31Open submissions
  2. After submissions closeEligibility review & judging
  3. Then announcedTop 30
  4. Then announcedTop 10
  5. Then announcedFinal Five
  6. After final judgingFinal results
AWARDS

Recognition designed to help writers take the next step.

01

Stories Novel of the Year

Normally one winner. Includes lifetime free writer status, a complete Author Path professional audit, Stories publishing package, homepage promotion, author interview, work promotion, publishing and Amazon preparation support, brand/work development guidance, and certificate.

02

Stories Excellence Award

Normally 2–3 winners, with long-term or lifetime writer access, Author Path service credit, professional feedback, featured promotion, publishing support or benefits, and certificate.

03

Stories Selected Fiction Award

Normally 5–10 winners, with free writer membership, Author Path development credit, themed promotion, editorial feedback, and certificate.

Special awards include Best New Writer and Readers’ Choice, with additional awards possible for character, diaspora story, historical fiction, publishing potential, film/IP potential, and editorial recognition.

CORE RULES

Copyright, originality, and AI-use principles.

Copyright stays with the author

Entry does not transfer copyright. Without separate permission, Stories will not publish, sell, or license an entry to third parties.

No first-publication or exclusivity requirement

Works previously published by publishers, online platforms, personal sites, WeChat accounts, or other channels may generally enter.

Transparent AI assistance is permitted

AI for proofreading, translation, research organization, brainstorming, language polishing, or research assistance does not automatically disqualify a work. Extensive generative-AI use in the main content must be disclosed.

Fairness and authenticity

Plagiarism, impersonation, false identity, serious infringement, or technical manipulation of votes, clicks, or comments may result in disqualification.

ENTRY PREPARATION

Prepare your work and author information.

Entry information includes name or pen name, contact details, country/region, title, fiction category, introduction, synopsis, chapters or full work, publication history, copyright status, and AI-assistance disclosure where applicable.

The public rules on this page follow 2026 Stories Chinese Fiction Awards Charter。 Entry, judging, and results are governed by the official KnowPaths / Stories pages and notices.