SI Leeds Literary Prize Returns
Leeds-based SI Leeds Literary Prize is a biennial writing competition for UK-based Black and Asian women writers, which is currently open for submissions of unpublished fiction. Closing date for submissions 13th May.
The Prize, which celebrated its 10 th year in 2022, aims to act as a loudspeaker for fresh and original literary voices from an under-represented group, and to help them reach new audiences in mainstream culture. Many previous entrants – including writers like Kit de Waal, Winnie M Li and Amita Murray – have gone on to land publishing deals, agents, and critical acclaim for their writing.
If you’d like to enter, the deadline for submissions is 13 May 2024. Full details are available on the Prize website. If you’re a low-income writer, bursaries are also available so you can request a free entry.
Here are three reasons why budding writers should enter their work:
1. To build a community: in previous years, shortlisted writers have formed close relationships with other entrants, supporting each other’s work and even attending book launch events!
2. For writer development: there are plenty of development opportunities for long and shortlisted writers, along with the prize winners, including coaching sessions, manuscript assessments and mentoring.
3. Be in with the chance of winning a cash prize: there’s a prize of £4,000 for the winner, with the second and third placed writers also receiving prize money.
2014 winner, Mahsuda Snaith said: “The SI Leeds Prize came at absolutely the right time for me and just being shortlisted was the validation I needed. I've seen so many women have their career launched from this prize, and go on to get published in mainstream publishing.”
Another feature of the Prize is its SI Leeds Readers’ Choice Award, which asks a panel of volunteer readers to select their own favourite from the shortlisted manuscripts. The 2022 winner, Laura Fish, will see her winning novel, Lying Perfectly Still, published this autumn. The Prize will be looking for new readers to judge this year’s award over the summer, so keep an eye on their social media if you’d like to take part!
The Prize is an initiative of Soroptimist International of Leeds, an organisation dedicated to the development and support of women. Soroptimist International helps women across the world achieve their potential and have an equal voice. These principles are embedded in the SI Leeds Literary Prize.
SI Leeds Literary Prize also works in partnership with Yorkshire-based literature organisations, Word Up North and Peepal Tree Press, and is supported by Arts Council England. These organisations have a track record in literature development and are committed to promoting and developing black and minority ethnic writers.
Who knows, this year’s winning writer could be you!
Follow SI Leeds Literary Prize online here
Find them Facebook, and Twitter/X and Instagram