Winners 2025

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the First 5 Pages Prize for 2025, chosen by our Prize Committee with the top spots awarded by 2025 faculty members, Mike Gayle.

With 1,164 entries from a wide range of genres and coming from all corners of the globe, the talent was truly impressive. The unique voices and stories made the decision incredibly tough. A big thank you to each one of you who participated. Your passion for writing shines through, and we’re grateful to have had the chance to experience your work.

We hope everyone continues to find in their writing!

SWF25 First 5 Pages Grand Prize Winner:

Crookback, Fantasy, Dan Bain

SWF25 First 5 Pages Second Prize Winner:

Snow Periscope, Fantasy, George Rogers

SWF25 First 5 Pages Third Prize Winner:

No More Bets, Crime or Thriller, Michael Fleming