The CYGNUS Book Awards
2026 Science Fiction Novel Writing Contest
Deadline to Enter: June 20, 2026
Compete for the 2026 CIBA Overall Grand Prize of $1,000 USD for Best Book!
Plus over $25,000 in cash and incredible promotional prizes for Finalists and Category Winners.
Elevate Your Author Career
Is your imagination limitless? Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring space, time travel, life on other planets, parallel universes, alternate reality, and all the science, technology, major social or environmental changes of the future that author imaginations can dream up. If you write Hard Science Fiction, Soft Science Fiction, Apocalyptic Fiction, Cyberpunk, Time Travel, Genetic Modification, Aliens, Super Humans, Interplanetary Travel, Settlers on the Galactic Frontier, or Dystopian, the CYGNUS Awards are calling your name. And check out our newest category Climate Fiction!
We put the best CYGNUS books to the test to discover the most compelling stories and exceptional writing craft. *|CONTEST_TAGLINE|*
What’s In It For You?
Winning a Chanticleer Award isn’t just about a ribbon—it’s about accelerating your author career. We shower our winners with a powerful promotional boost:
- Industry Exposure: Your book will be noticed by agents, publishers, and Hollywood producers who scout our lists for fresh talent.
- Grand Prize Values: The CYGNUS Grand Prize Winner receives an exclusive Book Review Package, Author Interview, and major social media promotion (a $795 value).
- Continuous Spotlight: High-traffic website announcements, newsletter blasts, and social media coverage as you advance through Finalist and Winner tiers.
- Author Prestige: Exclusive digital badges, book stickers for bookstore shoppers, and a gorgeous physical Prize Ribbon.
Categories
- Speculative Fiction
- Soft Sci-Fi/Young Adult
- Alternate History
- Hard Science Fiction
- Apocalyptic/Dystopian
- Space Opera
- Climate Change Cli-Fi
A few words about the categories: Hard Science Fiction tends to be more “technology” based (e.g., The Expanse, The Martian, Interstellar) and leans towards the rules and laws of science. Speculative fiction might be more concerned with different life forms or the inhabitants of the story having special powers. Soft Science Fiction includes Space Operas (e.g., Star Trek, Dr. Who, Star Wars).
Ready to take your book to the next level?
Entry Fee: $99 / $75 for The Roost at Chanticleer Members.
Currently accepting entries until June 20, 2026.
Prizes & Awards Overview
More than $25,000.00 worth of cash and prizes across the CIBA competitions! The Fine Print.
- $1,000 for ONE lucky Overall Grand Prize Winner!
- The Exclusive CYGNUS Grand Prize Winner receives a Chanticleer Book Review Package.
- First Place Category Division Winners receive a coveted Blue Ribbon package, 1st Place Digital Badges and a PDF suitable for printing requirements, book stickers, posts on the Chanticleer website for linking and reference, social media posting and tagging, along with prizes from sponsors!
The Fine Print & Eligibility
- Works published before Dec 31, 2021 are not eligible.
- Novels must be 60,000+ words. Manuscripts, indie, and traditionally published works are all welcome.
- No erotica or graphic violence.
- Judging is based on characterization, world-building, writing craft, and premise.
- For full details, please review The Fine Print.
Helpful Links: How The Contests Work | Awards and Prizes | Past Winners
If you have any questions, please email info@ChantiReviews.com.
You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal and Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media after submission.
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