Women's Prize for Fiction 2026

 Here are the latest Women's Prize for Fiction newsletters with details of the shortlisted writers and more:

We are thrilled to introduce the six books that make up the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist.  While this year’s shortlist spans an incredible breadth of themes, geographies, time periods, and literary styles, the six shortlisted novels each interrogate the roles women play in society and the power they hold, and explore themes of agency, human connection, and the joy of literature, centring very different, but unforgettable, protagonists. EXPLORE THE LIST Chair of Judges, Julia Gillard says: “We are delighted to present a shortlist that doesn’t shy away from examining life’s challenges, but also brings many moments of joy. As judges, we are first and foremost readers, and these novels intrigued and profoundly moved us. The plot lines kept us turning pages to find out what happens next, the characters found a place in our hearts and the stories stayed with us long after the last sentence. The incredible strength of the longlist challenged and delighted us, as we whittled down 16 books to this exceptional shortlist.” LEARN MORE SHOP SHOP The Women's Prize Trust is a registered charity (registered charity number 1181253)

Women's Prize Trust · 6 New Street Square · London, EC4A 3DJ · United Kingdom 2026

What an incredible 24 hours it’s been! Yesterday we announced the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist – six titles that interrogate the roles women play in society and the power they hold, exploring themes of agency, human connection and the joy of literature. If you’re getting started on the shortlist tonight, why not join the nation in reading between 7-8pm BST (2-3pm EDT) for the Reading Hour?! Tonight is World Book Night in the UK – an evening where The Reading Agency encourages us to dedicate just one hour to reading – whether that’s getting stuck into the 2026 shortlists, listening to an audiobook while cooking, or reading your children a bedtime story. There’s no pressure, no rules – just reading. Make sure to tag us @WomensPrize so we can reshare the joy too. THE 2026 SHORTLIST SIX BRILLIANT WRITERS We’re thrilled to introduce the brilliant women behind the 2026 shortlist – Susan Choi, Addie E. Citchens, Virginia Evans, Marcia Hutchinson, Rozie Kelly and Lily King. This year’s list spotlights new literary voices – with four debut novels recognised – and showcases the unique and fresh perspectives coming from independent publishing today, with three publishers celebrating first-time shortlistings for the Prize. Learn more about the shortlist here – and don’t forget that you can hear these six extraordinary writers in conversation with the 2026 Fiction Chair of Judges, Julia Gillard, at the 2026 Women’s Prize Shortlist Readings. Livestream tickets are on sale now – book yours below. BOOK HERE KEY DISCOVERIES DATES The excitement doesn’t stop there, as this time next week we’ll be introducing you to the 16 incredible writers longlisted for Discoveries 2026! Run in partnership with Curtis Brown literary agency, Curtis Brown Creative and Audible, Discoveries is our writer development programme and prize which aims to find, support, and develop emerging talent from across the UK and Ireland. Now in its sixth year, we’re looking forward to welcoming the new writers into our community and hearing more about their novels-in-progress. Mark your calendars and watch out for the news in your inbox next week. LEARN ABOUT DISCOVERIES BOOKSHELFIE X ROMY GILL Joining Vick in the Bookshelfie studio this week is renowned chef, broadcaster and food and travel writer, Romy Gill. In discussing the five books by women that have shaped her, Romy talks to Vick about the flavours of her childhood, emigrating to the UK with a ‘suitcase full of memories’ and how Nigella Lawson’s storytelling inspired her own writing. Click the video above to watch in full on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN HERE FOR THE NON-FICTION WRITERS If you’re a non-fiction writer looking for inspiration, look no further than Horizons – our free toolkit including writing resources, tips and prompts to support your writing. Explore some of the most recent additions below. Elizabeth Buchan: How I Research Finding inspiration in the personal: Discover your grandmother’s story with Findmypast Unlock Jackie’s Secrets: A Researcher’s Guide to Britain’s Iconic Teen Magazine From Archives to Inspiration: Story prompts for non-fiction writers EXPLORE MORE SHOP Don’t forget to fill out out our survey by 23:59pm BST on Thursday 30 April for the chance to win a bundle of Women’s Prize merch worth over £50! SHOP The Women's Prize Trust is a registered charity (registered charity number 1181253)

Women's Prize Trust · 6 New Street Square · London, EC4A 3DJ · United Kingdom

The wait is over – it’s time to announce the first set of speakers on the line-up for Women’s Prize LIVE 2026!   A book lover’s dream summer’s day, discover who’s joining us for the ultimate celebration of women’s creativity below. LOOK WHO’S TALKING… Candice Carty-Williams, Thangam Debbonaire, Julia Gillard, Vick Hope, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Meena Kandasamy, Elle McNicoll, Anita Rani and Kathryn Stockett – the first names of many who will be joining us in the beautiful Bedford Square Gardens on 10 June. Have you secured your spot in the gardens yet? Tickets are selling fast – don’t miss out and book yours today. BOOK NOW Available to pre-order in advance to enjoy at Women’s Prize LIVE, these delicious picnic hampers have been carefully curated by Jikoni to sustain you throughout your literary feast of a day. Packed with delicious flavours, the 2026 hamper includes: Spinach & Feta Roll (v) Hummus, Zhoug, Pine Nut (v) Sesame Breadsticks (v) Tandoori Roasted Cauliflower, Date & Tamarind Chutney (v) Potato, Fennel & Saffron Tortilla (v) Salted Chocolate Oat Cookie (ve) Banana & Date Cake, Miso Icing (v) Wildpress Apple Juice Perfect for snacking between panels, settling into the grass with a lunchtime book, or laying out a blanket with friends to discuss your latest reads. Book your ticket and pre-order your hamper now via the button below. PRE-ORDER HERE SHOP SHOP The Women's Prize Trust is a registered charity (registered charity number 1181253)

Women's Prize Trust · 6 New Street Square · London, EC4A 3DJ · United Kingdom

We can’t quite believe that there’s under one week to go until the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist is revealed! How’s your longlist reading going? If you’re reading as much as you can ahead of next Wednesday, don’t forget to check out our shelf on Bookshop.org, where you support our work and independent bookshops with every purchase. Already made your way through the longlist? Learn more about three titles from the non-fiction shortlist to read next below, along with the favourite reads of Strictly star Oti Mabuse. Plus, this week we’re sharing two new literary events for your calendar, and want your insights on your dream piece of bookish merch. SHOP THE LONGLIST NON-FICTION SPOTLIGHT Looking for your next non-fiction read? Hear what the 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction judges have to say and delve deeper into three of the extraordinary shortlisted books with our reading guides below.   “Hotel Exile by Jane Rogoyska takes the Hotel Lutetia in Paris, before, during and after the Second World War as a vehicle for exploring what happened to Jewish refugees from Germany – artists, philosophers, writers and campaigners in particular. This is rigorously researched, lyrical storytelling about the tragic loss of lives and of lost human potential, as Jews were deported from France to the death camps by Nazi occupation forces with collusion from French authorities.” – Thangam Debbonaire, 2026 Chair of Judges READING GUIDE “Mother Mary Comes To Me by Arundhati Roy is an extraordinarily layered memoir which addresses a complex relationship between mother and daughter, living in India in quite wildly different contexts, and her activism and her continued role in challenging political systems that leave people behind. The writing is rich and reframed my own experience of being a child growing up in 90s India.” – Roma Agrawal 2026 judge READING GUIDE “Nation of Strangers by Ece Temelkuran could not be a more timely book. The issue of migration is one that concerns us all, and Ece explores the hidden complexities that are rarely looked at within the immigrant experience. I absolutely loved it.” – Nicola Williams, 2026 judge READING GUIDE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Is there much better than being in a room full of fellow booklovers? Time seems to be flying by, so we want to share three incredible upcoming events you may want to add to your calendar. The 2026 Women’s Prizes: Chairs Julia Gillard and Thangam Debbonaire in conversation Hay Festival | 24 May Hear our 2026 Chair of Judges Julia Gillard and Thangam Debbonaire in conversation at Hay Festival this May. Talking on the Discovery Stage at 2:30pm, gain invaluable insights into the 2026 Prize cycle as they share their thoughts on the remarkable books on this year’s lists. LEARN MORE Women’s Prize LIVE Bedford Square Gardens | 10 June There are limited tickets left for Women’s Prize LIVE 2026. The ultimate celebration of women’s creativity, secure your spot today to hear from Candice Carty-Williams, Meena Kandasamy, Kathryn Stockett and more – all in an exquisite London location. LEARN MORE An evening with Bernardine Evaristo and Friends, presented by the Women’s Prize Chelsea Arts Festival | 17 September We’re thrilled to be heading back to Chelsea Arts Festival in September, for an evening exploring the richness of women’s writing, curated and hosted by recipient of the Women’s Prize Outstanding Contribution Award, Bernardine Evaristo. LEARN MORE BOOKSHELFIE X OTI MABUSE In the Bookshelfie studio this week is broadcaster, author, world-champion dancer and star of Strictly, Oti Mabuse. Listen as Oti tells Vick about her love for spicy romance novels, her rejection of tokenism and why she loves audiobooks. Plus, discover the five books by women that have shaped Oti most – including a TikTok sensation that turned her into an ice hockey fan, the Women’s Prize shortlisted novel she couldn’t put down and the book that taught her to be a badass. Click the video above to watch in full on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN HERE YOUR DREAM MERCH Are you a sucker for a bit of bookish merch? Have you previously purchased an item from our shop? We want your input to help craft our next range. We’ve put together a quick survey for us to learn more about where you like to shop, and what you’d like to see more of from us. Fill out the survey by 23:59pm BST on Thursday 30 April for the chance to win a bundle of Women’s Prize merch worth over £50. TAKE THE SURVEY SHOP SHOP The Women's Prize Trust is a registered charity (registered charity number 1181253)

Women's Prize Trust · 6 New Street Square · London, EC4A 3DJ · United Kingdom