2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

‘The Commonwealth Foundation takes seriously the allegations of AI use towards several of the winning writers of the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. As far as has been possible without compromising artistic integrity, we have taken steps to understand and query the allegations of AI use towards our writers through reviewing all available evidence. We also recognise that at this time, we have a duty to both respect the choices made by the independent panel of expert, experienced judges who selected the stories, and to support all of the writers involved in the prize.

This being said, it is undoubtable that there are rapidly evolving challenges for literature and other creative endeavours through the fast development of AI. We are just one organisation among many grappling with this. Through a full review, we will make sure that the appropriate steps are taken to make sure that our judging process is able to meet the growing threat that AI poses to creativity.

We understand that the use of AI is the single biggest issue facing much of the creative world, and while we welcome constructive debate surrounding this complicated and nuanced matter, we are deeply concerned by the tone of much of the discourse surrounding it. At the centre of this are real people: striving writers, dedicated judges, and a passionate team. All those who submit to the prize are people with deeply personal stories; writers facing their own complex challenges through the vulnerable tool of writing. Our Prize holds huge value in recognising their merit by bringing these people to the fore. The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is free to enter and anonymously judged, meaning many finalists are in their early literary careers. We hold a duty of care over them, which we take seriously as they contend with global attention that is entirely new to them. We are disappointed to see the work of current and previous writers of the prize called into question. We feel it is vital to recognise the upset felt by all those involved in or affected by the recent discourse surrounding the Short Story Prize. We offer our support to our winners, shortlisted writers, judges, alumni and wider community.

Our Prize holds at its core the values of trust, respect and artistic integrity. These are values we will endeavour to not only uphold through the Prize, but also strengthen for the years to come.’

‘We are aware of allegations and discussion regarding generative AI and our Short Story Prize. We take these claims seriously and are committed to responding to them with care and transparency. 

Our judging process is robust. Each story is assessed through a thorough process which involves multiple rounds of readers before progressing to the final judging panel. We select our judges for their expertise, passion for the literary community and strong backgrounds in writing.  

We do not currently use AI checkers in our judging process because this is a Prize for unpublished fiction. To supply unpublished original work to an AI checker would raise significant concerns surrounding consent and artistic ownership. We also do not use AI to judge stories at any stage of the process. 

When they submit stories to the Prize, writers accept our entry rules and guidelines. These include confirming that their submission is their own original work. All shortlisted writers have personally stated that no AI was used and, upon further consultation, the Foundation has confirmed this. We place our confidence in the integrity of our contributors and the calibre and experience of the judges and Chair of the Judging panel, and stand by the assurances given by our authors as part of our process. While we acknowledge there are a growing number of tools that purport to detect the use of generative AI in stories, we note that these tools are not unfailing or infallible.  We therefore believe it is important to acknowledge and uphold the trust we hold with our writers. Unlike AI tools, they can provide background to the crafting of their stories, and the inspiration and motivations behind their work. 

Until a sufficient tool or process to reliably detect the use of AI emerges that can also grapple with the challenges pertaining to working with unpublished fiction, the Foundation and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize must operate on the principle of trust. 

The use of generative AI, and its rapid evolution, poses significant challenges for literary, and indeed all creative work. We must all work together to navigate these wider emerging challenges whilst protecting the integrity of not just the entrants to our Prize but all creative endeavours – and most importantly, that we continue to support different voices and narratives from both established and emerging writers across the Commonwealth.’