ADCI Literary Prize: Promoting Disability Representation in Literature

The ADCI Literary Prize, established by the Society of Authors, aims to enhance the representation of disability in literature. Open to authors with disabilities or chronic illnesses, this biennial prize offers a £2,000 award for novels featuring disabled or chronically ill characters. The next submission period opens in Autumn 2026, with a deadline of 31 October 2026. The ADCI Literary Prize was launched in 2022 to encourage positive representation of disability in literature. Founded by Penny Batchelor and Clare Christian, the prize is supported by Arts Council England, ALCS, the Drusilla Harvey Memorial Fund, and the Professional Writing Academy. The prize seeks novels that include characters with disabilities or chronic illnesses, aiming to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. The ADCI Literary Prize provides a £2,000 award to the winning author. This financial support is intended to recognize and promote literature that accurately and positively represents disability. The prize focuses on novels that feature one or more characters who are disabled or living with chronic illness. Poetry, short stories, and children’s literature are not eligible. The ADCI Literary Prize is crucial for promoting diversity and inclusivity in literature. By highlighting works that feature disabled characters, the prize helps to broaden the scope of representation in the literary world, offering readers a chance to engage with stories that reflect the realities of living with a disability. For detailed guidelines, visit the Society of Authors website. What is the prize amount for the ADCI Literary Prize? The prize amount is £2,000. Who can apply for the ADCI Literary Prize? Authors who self-identify as disabled or chronically ill and are British nationals or residents of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. What types of works are eligible? Eligible works are fiction novels featuring disabled or chronically ill characters, published in the UK between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2026. When is the deadline for submissions? The deadline is 31 October 2026. How can I submit my application? Submit your application through the Society of Authors website and send physical copies to the specified address. Interested authors should review the official guidelines on the Society of Authors website and prepare their submissions according to the specified criteria. Ensure all materials are submitted by the deadline to be considered for this prestigious prize.