Entries now open for Discoveries

Entries are now open for Discoveries,​ a programme led by the Women’s Prize Trust, powered by NatWest and Curtis Brown, which invites women of all ages and backgrounds to submit their work of fiction.

The programme doesn’t require writers to have finished a novel – only the opening three chapters or up to 10,000 words – and it is free to enter.

The closing date for submissions will be 17 January 2021, and entrants must enter via Curtis Brown Creative: https://discoveries.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/

Eligibility
The programme is open to all women aged 18 and above, residing in the UK or Ireland and writing in English. The programme accepts novels in any genre of adult fiction and entrants are required to submit only the first 10,000 words of their novel with a synopsis.

The prize
A longlist of sixteen and a shortlist of six writers will be selected by a judging panel, with the winner offered representation by Curtis Brown Literary Agency and a cash prize of £5,000. All longlisted and shortlisted authors will be offered personalised packages of mentorship from a Curtis Brown agent or industry expert tailored to their individual needs, and free or discounted places on Curtis Brown Creative’s creative writing courses.

The judging panel
The judging panel will be chaired by author and founder of the Women’s Prize ​Kate Mosse.​ She will be joined by author​ Abi Daré​; Director for Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature Director ​Sandeep Mahal;​ Curtis Brown literary agent ​Lucy Morris; and founder and MD of Curtis Brown Creative Writing School Anna Davis​. They will select a longlist of 16 and a shortlist of 6 writers before selecting an overall winner.

Additional content
Throughout the submissions process, the Women’s Prize Trust, NatWest, Curtis Brown Literary Agency and Curtis Brown Creative Writing School will curate a programme of free online content across their platforms.

This will include everything from i​nterviews with publishing industry professionals​ to practical advice and inspiration​ from former winners and shortlistees of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, as well as ​a series of teaching notes by Curtis Brown Creative Writing School t​o help writers craft their submissions.

Find out more here: https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/womens-prize-discoveries-2020-faqs/