Unpublished or published writers in the action/adventure genre can vie to be the next “Grandmaster” by submitting their original fiction manuscripts for a chance at the $1000 grand prize. Two runners-up will receive $500 each! See prize list below and details on our “Rules” and “Entry Procedure” pages!
THE ADVENTURE WRITERS COMPETITION IS CLOSED FOR 2026 ENTRIES. WE WILL START ACCEPTING MANUSCRIPTS IN JANUARY OF 2027!
The TOP 3 Finalists for the 2026 Adventure Writers Competition:
- The Aviatrix by Christopher Boswell
- The Dream Count by Keith Weber
- Steel Trap: A Baz Turner Novel by Elio Martino
What’s next? The three Finalists will receive the honor of having their action/adventure reviewed by renowned action/adventure author Dirk Cussler. Dirk will make the final selection of the Winner of the 2026 Grandmaster Award. He will present a check for $1,000 and the “Clive”– the Grandmaster Award, in October, at an Award Ceremony during the Clive Cussler Collector’s Society Convention, in Denver Colorado, on Columbus Day Weekend, October 9th and 10th, 2026. www.cusslersociety.com/convention.html
What types of novels do we accept in the Adventure Writers Competition?
- Classic Adventure
- Military
- Crime, Police and Legal Thrillers
- Forensic Thrillers
- Psychological Thrillers
- Historical Action
- Comedy Thrillers
- Outdoor Adventure
- Modern Adventure
- Westerns, and other period pieces
- Any combo of the above as drama or comedy.
- Thrillers/Suspense
- Spy Action/Intrigue
- Techno-thrillers
- Medical Thrillers
- Political Intrigue
- Action Mystery
- Heists and Capers
- Urban Thrillers
- Eco-thrillers
- Young Adult Adventure (11 yo or older and falling into an accepted genre as listed in our rules.)
Just make sure it’s exciting and action packed!
The 2026 Adventure Writers Competition PRIZES:
• $1000 to the Winner of the competition, $500 to each of the 2 runners-up!
• All Finalists receive a trophy, the winner receives a “Grandmaster Winner” trophy.
• Finalists receive a video book trailer and interview by the AWC that will be posted on the AWC website and allowed to use that video file for marketing.
• Semi-finalists, finalists, and the winner receive and retain the right to use the AWC badge proclaiming their accomplishment (in PNG high resolution).
• Other prizes may also be added.
• Prizes are subject to change.
Why Enter the AWC?
Let past entrants, finalists, semi-finalists and others tell you why it’s a good idea by watching this ancient video that soon needs to be updated! But it’s still really good stuff.
Wait! Watch this before entering!
Get hints to increase your chances of winning this competition! Avoid pitfalls many authors make! AWC Director and 2012 Grandmaster Peter Greene gives you the low-down! He’s trying to help you!
“This is the only competition we know of that has a large panel of judges who read every entry,” said Peter Greene, AWC Director. “It is a tough competition, but the quality never ceases to amaze me. We are now beginning our 16th year, and thanks to the generosity of the Cussler Family, the Clive Cussler Collector’s Society, our great judges, and other sponsors of the competition, we hope to continue for many years to come!”
Thanks to all who enter and support the competition. A big call out to the over 1 dozen judges! You guys are the best!