The 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction Shortlist Has Been Announced

Women’s Award for Fiction Founded in 1996 to highlight and celebrate exceptional fiction by women, often ignored in favor of fiction by men. It has since become one of the most influential and popular literary awards in the English-speaking world. Each year, it awards £30,000 (about $40,511) to “the author of the year’s best full-length novel written in English and published in the UK”. Award winners also receive a bronze statuette, “Bessie”, designed by artist Grizel Niven.

This year’s shortlist is filled with debuts, independently published works, and books from publishers that have never been nominated for the award before. They explore human relationships, the individual’s role in predefined social roles, and much more.

2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction Shortlist

torch By Susan Choi (Jonathan Cape, Vintage, Penguin Random House UK)

Dominion By Eddie E. Seechens (Europa Editions UK)

reporter By Virginia Evans (Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House UK)

mercy step By Marcia Hutchinson (Cassava Republic Press)

kingfisher by Rosie Kelly (Saraband)

heart lover By Lily King (Canongate)

This year’s judges are chaired by Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia. Other judges include Mona Arshi (poet, novelist and essayist), Salma El-Wardany (author, presenter, poet and speaker), Cariad Lloyd (author, podcaster, actor and comedian), and Annie McManus (writer, broadcaster and DJ).

The winner will be announced at the 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Bedford Square Garden, London.

Stay connected to all the latest book news by signing up for Book Riot Newsletter.