Betty Trask Prize 2026: Opportunity for Debut Novelists Under 35

The Betty Trask Prize, administered by the Society of Authors, offers a significant opportunity for debut novelists under the age of 35. This prestigious award recognizes first novels written in a traditional or romantic style. The winner receives £10,000, with additional funds distributed among shortlisted authors. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Society of Authors

- Opportunity Type: Literary Prize

- Funding: £10,000 for the winner; £16,200 shared among shortlisted authors

- Eligible Applicants: Debut novelists under 35

- Eligible Locations: Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Commonwealth

- Deadline: 31 October 2026

- Project Duration: Annual award ceremony in 2027

About the Opportunity

The Betty Trask Prize was established through a bequest by Betty Trask in 1983 to support first novels by young authors. It aims to encourage traditional or romantic storytelling and highlights the talents of emerging writers. The prize celebrates excellence in debut novels and provides financial support to help authors further their writing careers. Funding and Benefits

- Winner: £10,000

- Shortlisted Authors: £16,200 divided equally

- Recognition: Winning or being shortlisted for the prize can significantly enhance an author’s reputation and visibility in the literary community.

Who Is Eligible? - Authors must be under 35 years old as of 31 October 2026. - Residency in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or the Commonwealth for three years prior to submission, or British nationality, is required. - The novel must be the author’s first published work, excluding self-published works. - The novel must be written in English and not be a translation. - The work should be of a traditional or romantic nature, not experimental. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

- Themes: Traditional or romantic storytelling

- Formats: Published or unpublished novels

- Published: Must have been published between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026.

- Unpublished: Must not have been previously submitted for the prize.

Why This Opportunity Matters The Betty Trask Prize is a vital platform for young authors to gain recognition and financial support. It encourages the creation of traditional and romantic novels, offering a significant boost to authors at the start of their careers. The prize not only provides financial rewards but also enhances the visibility and credibility of emerging writers. How to Apply

- For Published Works:

- Complete the entry form. - Send four non-returnable copies of the book or proof to the Society of Authors’ address. - Upload a digital version of the book. If the file is too large, email it to [contact details removed].

- For Unpublished Works:

- Upload one copy of the manuscript formatted according to the specified guidelines (A4, 12-point font, .doc/.docx/.pdf format).

- Submission Address:

- The Betty Trask Prize, Prizes Department, The Society of Authors, 24 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4EH. Next Steps Eligible authors are encouraged to review the official Betty Trask Prize guidelines and submit their entries by the deadline. This opportunity is a valuable step for debut novelists to gain recognition and support in their literary careers.