The MeetCute Romance Book Festival and Kate Nash Literary Agency are launching a new competition for writers of romance fiction with an offer of literary representation for the winner.
“We are searching for the next big voice in romance fiction,” said literary agent Kate Nash, “so we are delighted to be partnering with MeetCute for this new prize. It is different from other literary prizes in that the winner will be offered literary representation on the spot, no ifs or buts. We know from past experience we can spot the stars of the future so we will be offering representation based on one chapter.”
Judging the competition are literary agents Saskia Leach and Francesca Riccardi as well as Kate Nash. All entries will be read by a literary agent, no AI involved.
The MeetCute Festival brings together readers and writers of romance fiction in a glorious open air setting near Elstree in Hertfordshire. Coming into its third year in 2026, the fast-growing festival takes place on Saturday 4th July when the prize winners will be announced.
“A big part of MeetCute is championing romance and authors, and we’re thrilled to partner with Kate Nash Agency to support writers looking to share their stories and start their author journey,” said Andi Michael founder of the MeetCute Festival.
The MeetCute Storyteller Prize calls for the opening chapter to a romance novel of any type and is open for entries until Friday 5th June. The winner will receive an offer of literary representation from Kate Nash Literary Agency along with a £500 cash prize with a one hour 1:1 mentoring and editorial meeting with a literary agent for the runners-up.
“We are looking for promise, not polish,” said Kate Nash, “so it doesn’t matter if your work in progress is fully drafted or only one chapter as the winner will work with a literary agent editorially to get your manuscript to completion and ready to showcase to the world’s top publishers.”
Full entry details for the MeetCute Storyteller Prize can be found here: https://app.dapplehq.com/o/meetcute.
