HNS HISTORICAL FICTION AWARDS

The Historical Novel Society seeks to promote the genre of historical fiction in many ways, including through offering writing competitions and awards.

Current Awards

The historical fiction awards currently being run for 2025/2026 are:

• First Chapters Competition | Closing date 17 November 2025
• ARA Historical Novel Prize | Opening date 18 March 2026; closing date 17 June 2026

Past Awards

Past awards have included:

• The HNS New Novel Award (currently seeking a new sponsor), which was awarded to a previously unpublished and currently un-agented novels.
  View past winners
• The HNS Short Story Award
  View past winners
• The HNS Indies Award
  View past winners
• The Saudi Historical Novel Award
  View past prizes awarded

Conference Awards

Society Conferences and Festivals (North American, Ireland and United Kingdom, and Australasia) often offer competitions and awards in conjunction with these biennial events. For current awards cycles, view the individual conferences' websites:

• Ireland and United Kingdom
• North America
• Australasia