The award is open to anyone who has never been commissioned or paid for food or drink writing and is designed to help turn passion for food into a professional writing career.

You do not need to be a member of the Guild of Food Writers to enter.

Prize
Along with the prestigious Guild of Food Writers ‘nib’ trophy, the winner will receive mentorship from an established Guild writer and a year’s honorary Guild membership, supporting them until they secure their first commission.

What to submit:
– One food writing piece of up to 1,500 words
– One personal statement of up to 500 words

For more details and submission, click here. 

Deadlines:

The closing date for completing entry forms for 2026 is Monday 19 January 2026 and all materials must be with the judges by Monday 2 February 2026.