The Book Edit Writers' Prize Returns for 2025 – And We Have Exciting News!

The Book Edit Writers' Prize is returning for 2025 – and this year promises to be special.

This prize has become something very special to me over the past five years. What started as a way to open doors for underrepresented writers has grown into a launchpad for writing careers, a confidence-builder for emerging voices, and most importantly, a community that lasts long after the submissions close.

Meet Our 2025 Judge: Janice Okoh

2025 Writers’ Prize Judge, Janice Okoh

I'm thrilled to announce that acclaimed author Janice Okoh will be judging our 2025 prize. Author of this year’s BBC3 hit drama, Just Act Normal (based on her award-winning play Three Birds) Janice brings exceptional skill in crafting compelling characters and narratives. Her understanding of voice, structure, and storytelling makes her an ideal judge for spotting emerging talent.

Why This Prize Continues to Matter

Over the past five years, I've watched this prize make a real difference to writers. Not just through the immediate benefits – though having your work read by literary agents and being published in our anthology certainly helps – but through the confidence it gives writers and the connections they make.

Just last year, one of our winners, Stephanie Torrance, told me: "The Book Edit Writer’s Prize was the first writing prize I ever entered, so winning gave me so much confidence that I can actually pursue writing as a career. The community aspect of the prize is also invaluable. I’m still in touch with winners and we keep up-to-date with each others’ progress and successes."

What You Need to Know

Submissions open: 1st September 2025
Deadline: 13th October 2025
Who can enter: British and/or UK-based unpublished novelists from communities currently underrepresented in UK publishing
What to submit: First 1,000 words of your novel, a synopsis (max 500 words), and a brief note about your writing experience
Entry fee: Absolutely nothing – this prize is completely free to enter.

What you win

This year's eight winners will all:

  • Receive training in reading to a live audience, coached by Dr Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

  • Read their work at a live Zoom showcase event for invited industry guests curated from The Book Edit’s wide industry network.

  • Have their work professionally edited and published in an anthology sent out to all UK literary agents

  • Have a recording from the showcase published on The Book Edit’s website

If you're considering entering, please ensure you have a complete manuscript ready. Should an agent express interest following your showcase reading, you'll need to be able to send your full novel promptly. This prize works best for writers who are ready to take advantage of the opportunities it might create.

Even if you don't win, you'll receive tailored advice on next steps and become part of a community that believes in supporting each other's work.

Start Preparing Now

While submissions don't open until September 1st, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your entry. Polish those opening 1,000 words, craft a compelling synopsis, and most importantly, trust your voice and your story.

Remember, some of our most successful winners were first-time competition entrants who almost didn't submit. The difference between published and unpublished isn't always talent – sometimes it's simply courage.

I truly believe there are incredible stories out there waiting to be discovered, and I can't wait to read yours.

Warmest wishes

Emily

Book Edit Community News Round-Up

It's been a while since our last update, and what a lot has happened! Read on for the latest from our community – a testament to the ongoing relationships we cherish with our authors long after their projects are complete.

Publication Successes

Last year's Writers' Prize judge Lara Haworth has been shortlisted for the McKitterick Prize for her phenomenal debut novel, Monumenta. The McKitterick Prize celebrates outstanding first novels by writers over 40, and this follows Lara being shortlisted for the Nero Prize late last year – a wonderful double recognition.

Jo Cunningham is publishing the second in her cosy crime series this August. Her debut, Death By Numbers, was released last year to rave reviews, and A Calculated Murder sees a return for amateur sleuth and actuary Una McMurray, this time set at an international cat show. Expect the usual deadpan comedy and clever craft in this novel too.

Award-winning novelist Hannah Begbie has published her stunning third novel, The Last Weekend, a compelling portrait of female friendships and secrets set over one dramatic weekend by the sea in Dorset. For more about Hannah’s other novels, visit her website HERE.

Nick Shepherd, has published his compelling memoir Changing Through War & Peace, My Life in Five Countries. From surviving the London Blitz to commanding field guns through the jungles of Malaya, to becoming CEO of a major cultural Institution in Mexico, Nick’s life embodies the transforming power of embracing difference. Speaking of his wonderful book, Nick generously has said ‘if the contents are coherent and orderly, it is due to ‘The Book Edit’s’ meticulous care.’ Watch this space for an interview to celebrate the launch of his memoir.

Writers' Prize winner Kay Inkle has sold her debut climate fiction thriller, Overspill, to SRL Publishing. Climate fiction (or ‘cli-fi’) explores our relationship with environmental change, and Kay's thriller promises to be a gripping entry to the genre. Watch this space for an interview with Kay ahead of publication.

Writers' Prize longlisted author Chris Bridges has released his debut psychological thriller, Sick to Death (Avon) to fantastic reviews, with the Guardian calling it 'deliciously dark and twisted, and a lot of fun.'

Book Edit Editor and host of the Writers' Prize, Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone, has been awarded a PhD by the Open University for her novel, All the Hollow Places. Her supervisor said, 'This is an original, ambitious novel, formally innovative, covering a rich and sensitive period of political and cultural history and offers the reader a creative engagement with an individual life as well as making a formal interrogation of, and intervention in, conventional narrative design in contemporary fiction.' This academic achievement further strengthens the depth of editorial expertise we bring to our clients' work.

Dr Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

And on a more personal note – my ten-year-old son has started work on the second volume of his manga, The Definitely Normal School! For anyone interested in the first volume, published last year, you can find a copy HERE, and if you're with Kindle Unlimited it's currently £0.00!

Opportunities

We're hard at work behind the scenes to bring you 2025's Writers' Prize. Full details of this year's judge and submission deadlines will be available by July. If you want to make sure you're on the list to hear about this first, sign up HERE.

Writers' Prize winner Hannah Hoare has teamed up with Newcastle University to run a science fiction short story competition, spotlighting DNA data storage as a revolutionary theme. Three prizes of £750-250, plus top stories to be published in an anthology.

The Novelry are offering a staggering £75,000 prize for their new writing competition. Full details are HERE.

For further writing prize competitions and opportunities, visit Penguin's comprehensive list HERE.

And finally…

I'm currently teaching The Story Within online with a wonderful group of writers and continuing to love the sense of engagement and community that is being generated. If you'd like to join me next term, do watch this space or email me on Emily@thebookedit.co.uk to be first to know when the next course is released.

That's all from me. I hope you're all thriving and managing to carve out some creative space for yourselves in this mad busy world.

From Manuscript to Spotlight: The Book Edit Prize Shortlist Final Week

Our shortlist spotlight series concludes with Himmi Kari and Pip Penman, two compelling voices from 2024's Writers’ Prize shortlist.

Himmi Kari

Himmi is a GP, freelance writer and poet living in London. Greatly influenced by her decade-long medical career, Himmi writes about the challenges in the NHS and the potential for improvement through public health and medical technology. She is also a communication skills tutor at Imperial Medical School and a TEDxNHS speaker coach.

Her works have been published and produced. Most recently, her short play about women’s health, ‘The Phantom Marshmallow,’ was performed at the Marylebone Theatre in November 2024.

Crash Test Doctors

Crash Test Doctors follows three newly qualified doctors as they navigate their rollercoaster first year at the notorious ‘Misery Core’ hospital. Confronted daily with the sad, sick, and dying, they must adapt quickly to the harsh realities of medicine and fight to stay compassionate in the chaos. Can they maintain their humanity or will the relentless pressures consume them?

Pip Penman

Pip Penman is a Scottish writer from Kirkcaldy, Fife, living in New York City. She is co-founder of Women in Soccer, a professional network that advocates for women and underrepresented individuals in the soccer industry. As head of content, Pip writes Women in Soccer’s weekly newsletter with a readership of over 10,000. A Fulbright scholar, Pip completed a master’s degree at New York University. She also has a first-class degree in English Literature and History from the University of Edinburgh.

Ah Coudnae Tell

Escaping a traumatic past, identical twins Scarlet and Kirsty McLeod navigate young adulthood in Edinburgh. Struggling with her past, Scarlet spirals into alcohol-induced scandals that are shared online. Kirsty grapples with Scarlet’s destruction and a secret queer love that pulls her from her role as caretaker.

Set in 2014 and told through alternating narration, we see how technology affects their lives, which, like our own, are under constant digital surveillance.

The sisters’ loyalties are tested after Scarlet's actions lead to a devastating crime. When video footage and eyewitness accounts cannot determine who the responsible twin is, the line between reality and perception blurs.

Thank you for joining us in our series celebrating the depth of talent across our shortlist. Keep following us for news of next year's prize and more opportunities for emerging writers.