Celebrating 10 years of talented writers around the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is ten years old. During that time, we’ve been privileged to read new stories and meet exceptional authors who have gone on to forge diverse literary careers. The prize is at the heart of our work:  it connects us with writers across the Commonwealth; it connects us with readers across the world; and it connects us with the stories that allow us to enter the hearts and minds of beautifully-crafted characters, in everyday or extraordinary situations, in myriad different locations.

The prize was launched in October 2012, and we received just over 2,000 entries. The numbers and reach continue to grow and this year we received over 6,400 submissions from almost every Commonwealth country. The prize now accepts entries in 11 languages, and translated into English from any language. It is judged by writers based in the five regions of the Commonwealth, who bring their knowledge and experience of the local context to the selection process.

Read more about the origins of the prize from the founder of Commonwealth Writers, Lucy Hannah, here.

Our reach

The Prize is more than just an award: it brings global attention to the shortlisted and winning stories; it helps writers find new audiences; it introduces authors to agents and publishers; it offers opportunities for development; and it establishes networks of writers across the regions of the Commonwealth.

Our winners

Take a look at what the past winners have been doing since they won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.