MyPoolitzer launches AI writing competition with Quantifiction and Blue Denim Press

A writing competition judged by artificial intelligence (AI) and dubbed the "first-of-its-kind" has launched with backing by tech companies MyPoolitzer and Quantifiction with Canadian publisher Blue Denim Press.

Berlin-based submissions management software MyPoolitzer – which drew controversy at the last Frankfurt Book Fair on unveiling its AI-assisted submissions software – has teamed up with AI-based manuscript service Quantifiction, based in the US, and literary trade publisher Blue Denim Press in what they dubbed "a significant milestone in the publishing industry". 

All competition entries will be analysed using Quantifiction’s AI technology "Iris", using a combination of Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing to assess manuscripts. "It will evaluate submissions based on sales potential, genre fit and stylistic elements across over 30 dimensions, including reading difficulty, pacing and emotional resonance," organisers said.  

However, they emphasised that "while this AI-assisted judging process marks a revolutionary approach to literary contests, it is important to note that the final judging will involve both Iris’ AI and a panel of human judges, ensuring a balanced evaluation that combines technological innovation with human insight". 

The competition will be showcased at next month’s upcoming London Book Fair (11th to 13th March) and the prize will be a book contract with Blue Denim Press, though the financial renumeration has not been disclosed.

The companies said: "This first-of-its-kind writing contest will utilise Quantifiction’s artificial intelligence (AI) for judging, ushering in a new era of objectivity and consistency in evaluating literary works. The competition leverages MyPoolitzer’s web-based platform, which automatically processes manuscripts, checks all contributions for AI-generated content and ranks them by quality and sales potential.  

"This innovative approach ensures that all manuscript submissions are handled efficiently and securely throughout the contest process."  

Timo Bozsolik-Torres, co-founder and chief technology officer of Quantifiction, added: "Our analysis tool Iris not only provides ratings, but also gives decisive tips on how the author can improve their manuscript."  

Bozsolik-Torres added: "This competition not only offers writers a chance at publication but also provides valuable feedback through AI-generated manuscript evaluations. All shortlisted candidates will receive a full AI evaluation report on their entire manuscript, offering unprecedented insights into their work. The organisers invite writers worldwide to participate in this exciting new chapter of literary discovery."

The contest is open to authors of unpublished, original adult fiction in English, with a maximum word count of 80,000. Entry costs $30 USD (£24) and requires authors to submit a synopsis and the first 20 pages of their novel through the MyPoolitzer submission software. Submissions close on 6th April.   

Jost-Tilo Gehrke, founder and chief executive of MyPoolitzer, said: "AI strictly adheres to the contest brief, allowing for maximum objectivity, consistency and independence in the evaluation and decision-making process."  

Last week, the US Authors Guild launched a certification process for writers to confirm that their books "emanated from the human intellect" and not from AI.  

For more information, visit mypoolitzer.com/en/competition.