The Masters Review's Novel Excerpt Contest, now in its sixth consecutive year, is an annual call for excerpts from novels-in-progress. The contest is open to all genres, though the editors state a primary interest in literary fiction. Submissions open on September 1 and close on November 8, 2026; the verified deadline is November 9, 2026. A $20.00 USD fee applies. The guest judge for 2026 is Chinelo Okparanta, author of Under the Udala Trees and the forthcoming This Impossible Life. Okparanta will select three finalists from a shortlist provided by The Masters Review's editor. The contest seeks excerpts that function as self-contained narratives, requiring no synopsis for comprehension, and that demonstrate resonant storytelling, memorable characters, and a distinctive voice.