Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize

The 2025 Queen Mary  Wasafiri New Writing Prize is open for entries.

The sixteenth edition of the prize brings an exciting new development as we open to entries in translation – across all three categories –  for the first time since the prize was founded by Dr. Susheila Nasta.

Exceptionally international in scope, the prize supports writers who have not yet published a book-length work, with no limits on age, gender, nationality, or background. The winners of each category will receive a £1,000 cash prize and publication in Wasafiri magazine. All winners and shortlisted writers will be offered the Chapter and Verse or Free Reads mentoring scheme in partnership with The Literary Consultancy (dependent on eligibility), as well as a one-year print subscription to Wasafiri.

Eligibility

1. The competition is open to anyone who has not published or signed a contract to publish a book-length work of fiction, life writing, or poetry, except for self-published works or poetry chapbooks.

2. Work in translation is eligible for entry.

3. Entries must be in English and must not have been previously published in any form (excluding live performances or shares on personal blogs or social media channels).

4. Entrants can submit an unpublished English translation of a published or unpublished work of up to 3,000 words from any written language, with the exception of modern English, alongside the original work, and an optional Translator’s Note of no more than 300 words.

5. Entries of work of self-translation are accepted.

 

Fee is per entry: £12 for a single entry, £16 for a double entry, and £6 for a single subsidised entry. You may make multiple entries if you would like to do so by completing the entry form multiple times.

They offer subsidised entries for those who would not otherwise be able to enter the prize. Proof of eligibility for subsidised entry is not required.

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Enquiries about submissions should be directed to The Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize, please always refer to their website for complete details and information.

Please note, this prize is run by The Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize, not the Commonwealth Foundation.