Booksology The Women’s Fiction Prize was established in 1996 to highlight and celebrate outstanding fiction by women, which has often been neglected in favor of fiction by men. Since then, the award has become one of the most influential and popular literary prizes in the English-speaking world. Each year, it awards £30,000 (approximately $40,511) to “the author of the year’s best novel written in English and published in the UK.” Winners will also receive a bronze statue of Bessie designed by artist Griselle Niven.
This year’s shortlist includes many debuts, self-published works, and books from publishers that have never been nominated for an award before. They explore human connections, the role of individuals in pre-written social roles, and more.
2026 Women’s Fiction Prize Finalist List
Flashlight by Susan Choi (Jonathan Cape, Vintage, Penguin Random House UK)
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (European version UK)
“The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans (Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House UK)
“The Mercy Step” by Marcia Hutchinson (Cassava Republic Press)
Kingfisher by Rozie Kelly (Saraband)
Heart the Lover by Lily King (Canongate)
This year’s jury chair is former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Other judges include Mona Arshi (poet, novelist, essayist), Salma El-Wardani (author, presenter, poet, lecturer), Cariad Lloyd (author, podcaster, actor, comedian) and Annie McManus (author, broadcaster, DJ).
The winners will be announced on Thursday 11 June 2026 at Bedford Square Gardens, London, at the same time as the 2026 Women’s Non-Fiction Prize.
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