Two Categories. Countless Stories. One Winning Entry.

Small Gray Dog Publishing invites writers to participate in our inaugural novel contest celebrating the power of storytelling, the complexities of love, and the consequences of broken promises.

Whether your story explores the beauty of romance or the darker side of love, we want to discover your voice.

Contest Categories

❤️ Love & Romance

Stories exploring love, relationships, passion, heartbreak, and the connections that change our lives.

🖤 Love & Ruin

Stories exploring betrayal, broken promises, obsession, revenge, and the darker consequences of love.

How to Enter

Entry fee: $25 per novel.

Submit the first 2,500 words of your completed novel.

Selected finalists will be invited to submit their full manuscripts.

Winners will be announced February 14, 2027.

Contest Opens November 1, 2026!

The $25 entry fee covers one novel submission. Authors entering both categories must submit two different novels and pay $25 per entry.