Announcement of the Establishment of the "1st Next Break Writer Award"

Tokuma Shoten Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Hideyuki Komiya), Literary Editorial Department, is pleased to announce the establishment of the "Next Break Writer Award."

This award is a new prize for professional writers aiming for "next break."

It is for writers who have debuted with other publishers but wish to break into a new genre, those who have stepped away from novel writing for a while but want to try again, or those who want to publish a book from a publisher with a different flavor than their debut publisher. This is a new era writer award for such writers.

Submissions will consist of a plot and the opening manuscript of a "completely unpublished" full-length work. Would you entrust us with your hidden gem, the catalyst for your restart, your ultimate move? We look forward to your submissions!

Award winners will receive support from their editor and a guaranteed electronic publication!

Application Guidelines

【Application Period】

August 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026 Winners will be contacted by the editorial department within 6 months of the application deadline.

【Eligibility】

Professional writers who have had a novel commercially published. (Excludes self-published works, doujinshi, etc.) This also includes those with the following experience: - Winners of a new writer award for novels - Those with experience serializing or contributing to commercial magazines

【Application Genres】

All entertainment novels

【Submission Content】

- Profile - Plot (A4 size): within 5 pages - Opening manuscript for the above plot: within 20 pages * Please refer to the application format for the above content.

【Application Format】

Submission Method: Web application

<Application Format>

Please download and use the "Next Break Writer Award Application Format" which will be released on August 1st.

- Format: Submit the format as a PDF - Page settings for the opening: A4 size, 40 characters x 30 lines per page, vertical writing (strict adherence required) - Be sure to include the work title and pen name in the header. - File name should be "Pen Name_Work Title_Submission Date (e.g., 0930 for September 30th)"

【Judges】

Tokuma Shoten Literary Editorial Department

【Q&A】

Q: Can writers who have already debuted apply? A: This award is exclusively for debut authors, so yes, you can apply.

Q: Can I submit works that have been published online or posted on submission sites? A: We request submissions of completely new works only. Works that have been commercially published in print, electronic, or on-demand formats (including self-published works and doujinshi), or works previously published on submission sites cannot be accepted.

Q: Will I be informed of the selection results? A: Only winners will be contacted within 6 months of the application deadline and announced on this site (the "Next Break Writer Award" page within the Tokuma Shoten HP). For privacy protection, works that did not win and personal information will be discarded.

Q: Will there be commentary on submitted works? A: We apologize, but we do not provide commentary on submitted works.

Q: When will the award-winning work be published? A: The publication timing will be decided through discussion between the editorial department and the winner.

Q: Is there prize money? A: There is no prize money, but if the award-winning work is published, we will pay electronic royalties according to our company's regulations.

Q: Will it only be published as an e-book? A: It will be an e-book only. However, depending on the circumstances, we may inquire about the possibility of a print edition.

Q: What does "All entertainment novels" in the application genres refer to? A: Any genre intended to entertain readers is within the scope. Works from all genres such as mystery, suspense, action, horror, sci-fi, romance, blue light, human drama, period, historical, etc., are eligible.

【Notes】

* The use of generative AI, etc., is permitted (this wording is not intended as an endorsement), but the applicant will bear all responsibility arising from its use.

* Submissions of novels published on the web, novels published in very limited circulation media such as doujinshi, and their plots are not allowed.

* Submissions of works published through self-publishing are also not allowed.

* Inquiries regarding submitted manuscripts or selection results cannot be answered.

* Personal information submitted will not be used for any other purpose.

* Each person may submit up to 3 works.

* All rights related to the publication, magazine serialization, electronic publication, and secondary use (e.g., film adaptation) of the award-winning work belong to Tokuma Shoten.

* The copyright of the award-winning work belongs to the applicant.

【Organizer】

Tokuma Shoten Literary Editorial Department

【Inquiries Regarding This Matter】

Tokuma Shoten Literary Editorial Department

Email: [email protected]

【Tokuma Shoten Public Relations Desk】

C-Publishing Service Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department

Email: [email protected]