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Discoveries 2026 is now open for submissions!
Deadline: Mon 12 Jan 2026
Curtis Brown Creative and the Curtis Brown literary agency are partnering with the Women’s Prize Trust and Audible to deliver the Discoveries writing development programme and prize for unpublished women writers aged 18 years and upwards currently residing in the UK or Ireland. Free to enter.
The prize, now in its sixth year, accepts novels in any genre of adult fiction, with entrants invited to submit the first 10,000 words of their novel and a synopsis.
First Prize
The winner will be offered representation by Curtis Brown Literary Agency and a cash prize of £5,000.
Shortlist
One promising writer, named the ‘Discoveries Scholar’, will also win a free scholarship to attend a three-month Writing Your Novel course with Curtis Brown Creative (worth £2,000). All six shortlisted authors will be offered a mentoring session with a Curtis Brown agent, plus a free place on a six-week online writing course with Curtis Brown Creative (worth £230). The shortlisted writers will also take part in a studio session focused on writing and recording for audio with Audible.
Longlist
All 16 longlisted authors will receive a bespoke, two-week online Discoveries Writing Development Course designed by Curtis Brown Creative and taught by bestselling author Laura Barnett.
This year's expert panel of judges will be chaired by Kate Mosse, Founder Director of the Women’s Prize.
Find out more here
Deadline: 11:59pm on 12 January 2026
Additional Information:
Location:
UK, Republic of Ireland
Region(s):
Republic of Ireland, UK
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