The Young King Lambda Novel Award: A New Opportunity for Writers
CreativeMap Inc. and Shonen Gahosha are joining forces for an exciting new literary competition: the
Young King Lambda Novel Award. This inaugural contest aims to discover the next hit stories set in the realms of
fantasy,
horror, and
suspense. With a generous total prize of 1,000,000 JPY, including guaranteed comic adaptations for winning entries, this event is designed to inspire both amateur and professional writers.
Contest Overview
Set to run from
June 15, 2026 to
September 14, 2026, the contest encourages submissions across multiple genres, providing a platform for diverse storytelling. The theme is to create an engaging narrative that captivates readers from the first line and keeps them on the edge of their seats until the last. This is the first joint contest conducted by Solispia with a major publishing house, which marks a significant step in their mission to elevate creative writing.
The Judges
The contest will feature a renowned judge,
Homura Kawamoto, the original author of the popular series,
Serial Killer in Another World. Kawamoto's insights are expected to guide and inspire participants.
In addition, the editorial teams from both Young King and Young King Lambda will also assess submissions. They emphasize the importance of originality and emotional engagement in narratives, encouraging writers to push their creative boundaries.
Prizes Await Winners
Winners will receive cash prizes along with guaranteed opportunities for comic adaptations:
- - Gold Prize: 500,000 JPY + guaranteed comic adaptation
- - Silver Prize: 300,000 JPY + guaranteed comic adaptation
- - Honorable Mentions: 100,000 JPY + consideration for comic adaptation
The contest anticipates awarding a Gold and Silver Prize along with several Honorable Mentions, although the final number may vary based on the submissions received. Notably, each winning entry will also receive feedback from a panel of judges, fostering the authors' development.
Important Dates
- - Submission Period: June 15, 2026 – September 14, 2026
- - First Screening Announcement: Around December 2026
- - Second Screening Announcement: Around January 2027
- - Final Screening Announcement: Around February 2027
- - Winners Announced: Late March 2027
Encouragement from the Judges
Homura Kawamoto expresses a desire for compelling works that hook readers instantly, with well-developed characters and unpredictable plot twists. Both the
Young King and
Young King Lambda editorial teams stress the value of originality and depth in storytelling, hoping to see groundbreaking ideas that resonate with the audience.
Submission Requirements
To participate, writers must adhere to the following criteria:
- - Works should be between 75,000 and 125,000 words.
- - Submissions must be completed by the end of the contest period.
- - All ages and skill levels are welcome to apply.
- - Themes must align with the genres of fantasy, horror, suspense, or mockumentary.
- - Multiple submissions are permitted.
About Solispia
Founded by CreativeMap in 2023, Solispia aims to create a space for unique voices and diverse narratives. With over
5,000 submissions already, Solispia is committed to delivering exceptional stories that captivate readers. The site serves as a new era in literary contests, breaking away from conventional ranking systems and embracing creativity.
Join the Adventure Today!
If you have a story burning in your heart or a thrilling idea waiting to be unleashed, don’t miss this chance to be part of literary history. For more details about the award, visit the
Young King Lambda Novel Award Contest Page and let your creativity shine!