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Competition Terms and Conditions

Elevate Editing – Novel November Finisher Competition

These Terms and Conditions outline the rules for entering the Elevate Editing Novel November Finisher Competition. By taking part, participants agree to these Terms.

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1. Eligibility

To enter, participants must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Unpublished Author

    • You must not have a traditionally published book (self-published authors are welcome).

    • OR you must identify as an under-represented writer, which includes but is not limited to:

      • marginalised communities

      • ethnic minority groups

      • working-class backgrounds

      • neurodivergent writers

      • disabled writers

      • LGBTQ+ writers

  2. Completed Novel November

    • “Completed” means you participated throughout November in any form.

    • You do not need to have reached 50,000 words.

    • Any creative output counts.

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2. How to Enter

Each completed action = 1 entry. Participants may earn multiple entries.

To enter, you must complete at least one of the following:

  • Like the competition post

  • Share the post to your Stories or feed

  • Follow our official Instagram of Facebook account

  • Tag another writer who may be interested in entering

    • Each tagged writer counts as an additional entry

All actions must be completed on the official Elevate Editing competition post.

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3. Prizes

Winners will receive:

  1. 1st Place:

    • Extended Manuscript Critique of their Novel November project

    • Estimated value: £350

  2. 2nd Place:

    • Standard Manuscript Critique  of their Novel November project

    • Estimated value: £200

  3. 3rd Place:

    • First Chapter Glow-Up of their Novel November project (up to 3,000 words)

    • Estimated value: £50

Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred to another person.

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4. Prize Definitions

 Extended Manuscript Critique

The Extended Manuscript Critique offers an in-depth professional assessment of your Novel November project.
This includes everything in the Standard Manuscript Critique, plus additional detail, guidance, and recommendations.

You will receive:

  • A comprehensive written report of up to 4,000 words

  • A full high-level review of your manuscript’s strengths and areas needing improvement

  • In-depth analysis of plot, characterisation, pacing, structure, worldbuilding (where applicable), voice, theme, and story arc

  • Expanded guidance offering clear next steps, tailored to your project and goals

  • Suggestions on whether your manuscript is ready for the next stage (rewrite, revision, developmental edit, etc.)

This prize provides the closest thing to a developmental overview without line-level editing. It offers broad insight, clarity, and a strategic plan for moving forward.

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Standard Manuscript Critique 

A Manuscript Critique delivers a high-level editorial assessment of your story — without line edits or sentence-level correction.
It’s ideal if you want to understand how your manuscript is working before committing to a full edit.

You will receive:

  • A detailed written report of approximately 2,000 words

  • Insight into your manuscript’s core strengths

  • Clear identification of areas needing improvement

  • Professional analysis covering:

    • Plot

    • Characterisation

    • Pacing

    • Voice

    • Theme

    • Story arc

  • Guidance on how to develop the next draft

This critique offers a “bird’s-eye view” of your project, helping you understand what’s working and what may need more attention.

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First Chapter Glow-Up

The First Chapter Glow-Up focuses on the opening chapter of your manuscript (up to 3,000 words).

You will receive:

  • An insight report assessing your chapter’s strengths and weaknesses

  • Editorial comments addressing:

    • Hook and opening impact

    • Character introduction

    • Clarity

    • Tone and voice

    • Pacing

    • Reader engagement

  • Guidance designed to strengthen your opening and help your story begin with impact

This service is perfect for writers wanting to refine the all-important first impression of their novel.

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5. Deadlines

  • Entries open: November 24th 2025

  • Entries close: 1st December 2025 – 11:59pm (UK time)

  • Winners announced: Within 7 days of closing

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6. Winner Selection

  • Winners will be selected at random using a fair, unbiased randomisation method.

  • More entries = higher chance of winning.

  • Winners will be contacted through the platform they entered on.

  • If no response is received within 7 days, a new winner will be selected.

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7. Project Requirements

  • Winners must submit their Novel November project in Word (docx) format.

  • The work must be their own.

  • Edits/critiques must be redeemed within 3 months of notification.

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8. Privacy

  • No personal data will be shared publicly.

  • Manuscripts remain the intellectual property of the author.

  • Elevate Editing will not share, distribute, or store the work beyond the purpose of providing the prize.

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9. Additional Notes

  • This competition is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram, Facebook, or Meta.

  • Elevate Editing reserves the right to amend or cancel the competition if necessary.

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