Emma Roberts, Zosia Mamet, Carley Fortune and More to Judge New Literary Contest (Exclusive)

**Emma Roberts, Zosia Mamet, Carley Fortune and More to Judge New Literary Contest**

A new literary contest named *The Next Big Story* is set to make waves in the writing world, with a panel of celebrity judges ready to unearth fresh talent yet to be discovered. The exclusive announcement by PEOPLE reveals that leading online writing school, The Novelry, will be launching this exciting competition. The contest’s primary aim is to discover and promote emerging literary voices, breaking down barriers and highlighting unique perspectives that have remained unheard.

The star-studded judging panel includes well-known figures such as actress Emma Roberts, who is also the co-founder of Belletrist, Zosia Mamet, renowned for her acting and authorship, and Carley Fortune, author of *One Golden Summer*. Joining them are distinguished personalities like Yann Martel, author of *Life of Pi*, Julia Quinn known for the Bridgerton series, Zibby Owens, Tayari Jones, Jackie Oshry, Kimberly Nwokorie, and Brady Lockerby. This diverse group of judges brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the competition.

Emma Roberts expressed her excitement about being part of the judging panel, emphasising the joy of immersing oneself in a captivating book and delving into the words of a talented author. She looks forward to collaborating with The Novelry to recognise and uplift future voices in fictional storytelling even before their works reach the bookshelves.

Zosia Mamet echoed similar sentiments, expressing her anticipation at reading the fresh and compelling narratives that upcoming writers will share through this contest. Being among the first to explore these new literary works is a privilege she eagerly awaits. Mamet’s enthusiasm underscores the significance of platforms like *The Next Big Story* in providing opportunities for aspiring writers to shine.

The contest officially opens its doors on May 1st, inviting aspiring writers to submit the first three pages of a novel for consideration. The ultimate winner stands to receive a substantial prize of $100,000, along with an invaluable year-long support from The Novelry to refine their idea and transform it into a fully developed book. This lucrative reward, coupled with expert guidance, ensures that the winning writer is well-equipped to navigate the literary landscape.

Founded by the Booker Prize-nominated author Louise Dean in 2017, The Novelry has emerged as a premier online creative writing school, garnering international acclaim. Offering a range of courses tailored to support writers at every stage of their creative journey, The Novelry has nurtured talents like Clare Leslie Hall, Rosie Story, and Nikki Allen. The school’s commitment to fostering storytelling excellence shines through in initiatives like *The Next Big Story*, which celebrate the art of narrative craft.

Tayari Jones, a member of the judging panel, highlighted the enduring appeal of storytelling, emphasising its ability to captivate audiences through compelling characters, engaging plots, and exquisite language. She underscored the timeless allure of a well-told story, asserting that in today’s digital age, the power of storytelling remains unmatched. *The Next Big Story* seeks to honour this tradition by championing exceptional storytelling and nurturing emerging voices in the literary realm.

As the literary world eagerly awaits the outcome of this prestigious contest, the blend of established names and fresh talent promises an exciting journey ahead for aspiring writers. The unique perspectives and diverse narratives that will emerge from this competition are poised to enrich the literary landscape, underscoring the importance of platforms that champion creativity and innovation. For more information on *The Next Big Story* and to stay updated on the latest literary endeavours, visit The Novelry’s official website.

As the competition unfolds and new literary voices emerge, the impact of initiatives like *The Next Big Story* reverberates throughout the writing community, inspiring a new generation of storytellers to share their unique visions with the world. In a rapidly evolving literary landscape, opportunities that celebrate and elevate diverse voices are essential for fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. *The Next Big Story*, with its esteemed judging panel and generous prize, stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the boundless potential of emerging writers.