2025 First Graphic Novel Award

The First Graphic Novel Award is an amazing opportunity for anyone wishing to create a graphic novel for the first time. The award is for debut authors at any age, 18+: comics creators, cartoonists, or writers and artists who have not previously had a full-length graphic novel published. The 2025 First Graphic Novel Award is generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. [...] Special thanks to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) and Thought Bubble Festival, LDComics and the many cartoonist and comic creator networks, fairs and festivals, and individual creators and comics professionals supporting the call for entry. info@firstgraphicnovel.co.uk info@selfmadehero.com [...] The winner will be offered a contract by publisher SelfMadeHero to complete their work for publication, and will be awarded a £500 cash prize sponsored by The bks Agency. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at Waterstones Piccadilly at 6.30pm on Monday 19th January 2026.