Discoveries is the Women’s Prize’s writer development programme designed to address the specific challenges that women face as writers.
Unlike most initiatives of this kind, Discoveries is completely free, and writers are not required to have finished their novel, to enter.
Discoveries invites unpublished and unagented women writers in the UK or Ireland to submit the opening of a novel in English – up to 10,000 words – for the chance to take part in a bespoke creative writing course, secure personalised mentorship packages, an offer of literary agent representation and a prize of £5000.
Discoveries is run in partnership with Audible, Curtis Brown Literary Agency, and the Curtis Brown Creative writing school.
Discoveries is more than a traditional prize; it is a unique development initiative which offers practical support and encouragement to aspiring female novelists of all backgrounds.
To inspire as many women as possible to enter and to help writers begin and refine their submissions, we curate a free toolkit of resources, including writing tips and insights into the agenting and publishing process, practical advice and inspiration from judges, Women’s Prize for Fiction winners and publishing professionals. There is also a programme of live and online events and workshops.
The 2024 judging panel is chaired by Kate Mosse, international bestselling novelist and Founder Director of the Women’s Prize; and includes award-winning authors Natasha Brown and Rowan Hisayo Buchanan; Jess Molloy, Curtis Brown literary agent; and Anna Davis, Founder and Managing Director of Curtis Brown Creative writing school.
Submissions for Discoveries 2024 are now closed. The 2024 longlist will be announced on 18th April, the shortlist on 2nd May and the winner on 23rd May.
Submissions for 2025 will open in September 2024, closing in January 2025. You can take a look at the 2024 terms and conditions of entry for reference.
Writer's Toolkit
When Women’s Prize winner Madeline Miller joined us on the Women’s Prize for Fiction podcast to choose her five favourite books by women, she also treated us to some fascinating insights into her creative writing process.
Read more
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