Founded in 2010 by Professor Janet Todd OBE, DBE, this prestigious prize is renowned for championing and launching the careers of exceptional women and non-binary writers. We are actively seeking submissions that seamlessly blend literary merit with captivating storytelling – the "unputdownable" novel.
The Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize has gone from strength to strength with many shortlisted and winning authors securing publishing deals and going on to have writing careers.
Read all the success stories here
This year, the Lucy Cavendish Prize is partnering with leading literary agency WME , which brings exciting new opportunities for aspiring authors of the prize. Formed in 1898, WME is the longest-running talent agency in the world. At its core, WME Books prides itself on operating as a boutique literary agency within a larger network which covers every area of entertainment. This collaboration marks a new chapter for this celebrated literary award, ahead of the Prize's 15th anniversary and the College’s 60th anniversary in 2025.
Hellie Ogden, co-head of the WME UK Book division, says, “We are so delighted the Prize is now open, and excited to delve in. Reading the first few pages of a new submission, the feeling that you are reading something that so few people have seen, the sense that it is going to be huge, is a feeling like no other. We can’t wait.”
The winner will receive a £1,500 prize, and all shortlisted authors will benefit from a one-on-one consultation with a literary agent at WME, including editorial feedback and invaluable publishing advice.
This year's judging panel boasts an impressive line-up of literary experts:
- Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Head Judge): Poet, playwright and bestselling novelist.
- Candice Brathwaite: Critically acclaimed author, journalist, podcaster, speaker and presenter.
- Leodora Darlington: Publishing Director at Orion and debut author.
- Dr Olivia Krauze: English Director of Studies at Lucy Cavendish College.
- Dr Lindsay Traub: Former Vice President and Emeritus Fellow of Lucy Cavendish College.
You can read more about the judges here.
We look forward to reading your entries!
How to enter
The Prize is open to unpublished and unrepresented women and non-binary writers over the age of 18 in the UK and Ireland.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to launch your writing career!
Enter the 2025 Fiction Prize here
The rules have been updated for 2025, so be sure to review the guidelines carefully before submitting your entry.
For more details and all T&Cs, please visit our website.
