For those who wish not just to read, but to engage in the pursuit of truth.
Two Tracks.
Track One
Refutation Manuscript
For those who believe the central message can be seriously challenged, a submission must do more than disagree. It must present a substantial, reasoned, source-backed response that counters the central message of the book through reasoning and evidence.
$50,000
Track Two
Supporting Manuscript
For those who wish to strengthen, expand, deepen, or reinforce the ideas in this book, a successful supporting manuscript does not merely add to the book, but takes the ideas in the book to a newer level of strength and power.
$10,000
Rules For Entry
For those prepared to engage the work with depth, honesty, originality, and discipline.
Words at War invites serious response from those willing to engage its arguments. There are two tracks — one for those who would refute the work, one for those who would strengthen it. The goal is not noise. The goal is truth.
1.
Knowledge of Words at War
Demonstrate that you have read and engaged with its arguments and structure, and have looked up and studied all the endnotes. Submissions must refer directly to specific passages, themes, or source notes. General criticism or general support without direct engagement will not qualify.
2.
Engagement with Tanach in Hebrew
Show meaningful familiarity with Tanach in Hebrew — especially where the argument relates to Torah, creation, morality, prophecy, covenant, human purpose, or the foundations of Jewish belief. You are not arguing from ignorance of the primary text.
3.
Introduction to Mishneh Torah
Demonstrate that you have read and understood the Rambam's Introduction to Mishneh Torah and show awareness of its framework on Torah transmission, authority, wisdom, and the foundations of belief and practice.
4.
Age of the Universe & Torah Narrative
Where relevant, show meaningful engagement with serious works on creation, science, and cosmology — including thinkers such as Dr. Nathan Aviezer, Dr. Hugh Ross, Dr. Gerald Schroeder, Dr. D. Russell Humphreys, Joshua Hool, and Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. Agreement is not required; engagement is.
5.
Originality & Presentation
A submission must be original in both substance and form — reflecting the same standard of intentional craft that defines the book itself.
6.
Seriousness
Submissions may be critical, forceful, and may disagree completely. They must not be mocking, vulgar, hateful, childish, or written merely to provoke.
7.
AI Use Policy
AI is welcomed as a tool for research or assistance in the required research, but primary authorship is required. Any use of AI for editing, translating, outlining, or the final presentation of the work must be disclosed.
Selected works receive publication consideration through Truthbliss Publishing.
Judged by a Panel of Three
This and more information about the contest will be announced soon.
What you'll provide.
Suggested manuscript length: 20–150 pages. The work should be long enough to present a serious argument, but never padded. Every page should serve the purpose of the submission.
Non-winning submissions. Participants whose manuscripts are not selected for prize consideration or publication retain ownership of their work.
Winning & selected submissions. The participant agrees that Truthbliss Publishing will own and control the publication rights to the manuscript under the terms of the final agreement. Works may be published under the author's name, while ownership, distribution, editing, licensing, and marketing rights belong to Truthbliss Publishing.
No prize, royalty, publication, or selection will be final until all required documents are signed.
More information to come.
A minimum of 50 submissions are required for this challenge to take effect.
Whether you would like to support the challenge or be a part of it, please reach out.