Owned Voices Novel Award 2022

After a successful first year, we’re rerunning the Owned Voices Novel Award. The award aims to give its two winners the best possible chance of finding an agent or publisher for their work.

So, what’s up for grabs?

The shortlisted writers:

Ten shortlisted writers will be invited to a virtual ‘Routes to Getting Published’ Q&A session with a panel of industry experts. During the session, the panellists will discuss tips for submitting manuscripts to agents and editors, as well as giving all attending writers the opportunity to ask them questions about the publishing industry and how to secure an agent or publisher. The session aims to demystify the way the publishing industry works and equip attending writers with top tips on getting their submissions to stand out from the crowd.

The winners:

From the shortlisted writers, two authors will be selected as the novel award winners. Each winner will receive a £250 cash prize. The winners will also either be paired up with agent Emily Glenister or editorial director Rhea Kurien for mentoring. Winners will first receive written feedback, followed by a one-to-one virtual mentoring meeting with their partnered publishing professional, which will cover the editorial advice given on how to strengthen their novel as well as specialised advice on the next steps for the author in terms of seeking a publishing deal. The winners will also have two follow-up calls with their publishing professional within six months of their first to discuss progress.

Entry Criteria:

  • Writers must be from an under-represented background

  • Writers must be unagented

  • Writers may only submit one novel for consideration

  • At point of submission, writers must have at least 40,000 words of a manuscript available

  • Submissions must fall into one of the following categories:

    • Crime, Thrillers and Mystery

    • Contemporary Romance

    • Historical Fiction

    • Contemporary Family Life Fiction

    • Book Club Fiction

Key Dates:

  • 7th February - Entries open

  • 28th February - Deadline for submissions at 23:59 pm GMT

  • 14th April - Shortlist announced

  • 19th May - Winners announced


To view this year’s judges and mentors, click here.

ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED