Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize 2026: Celebrating Travel-Themed Novels

The Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize, established in memory of Malcolm Lowry, is open for submissions for its 2026 edition. This prestigious award, endowed by Gordon Bowker and Ramdei Bowker, honors UK and Irish writers whose novels explore the theme of travel away from home. The winner will receive £2,000, while the runner-up will be awarded £750. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: The Society of Authors

- Opportunity Type: Literary Prize

- Funding Amount: £2,000 for the winner; £750 for the runner-up

- Eligible Applicants: UK and Irish writers, or those residing in these countries

- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom and Ireland

- Deadline: 31 October 2026

- Submission Method: Print publisher submissions only

About the Opportunity

The Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize aims to inspire literary excellence by encouraging writers to explore and write about travel experiences. Inspired by Malcolm Lowry’s novel, _Under the Volcano_, the prize seeks to celebrate novels that capture the essence of travel and its transformative effects. Funding and Benefits

- Winner: £2,000

- Runner-up: £750

- Recognition at the annual Society of Authors’ Awards ceremony in 2027. Who Is Eligible? - Authors must be British or Irish nationals, or currently residing in the UK or Ireland. - The novel must be a full-length work in English, first published in the UK or Ireland between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026. - Submissions are not accepted for translations, children’s books, e-format only, or self-published works. - Entries must be submitted by the print publisher, with a maximum of two submissions per imprint. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Novels focusing on the experience of travel away from home. - Works that exhibit literary excellence and originality in exploring travel themes. Why This Opportunity Matters This prize not only honors the legacy of Malcolm Lowry but also provides a platform for authors to gain recognition for their work. It encourages writers to delve into the rich narratives that travel experiences can offer, thus enriching the literary landscape with diverse perspectives. How to Apply

- Complete the Entry Form: Fill out the required details and upload a PDF version of the novel.

- Submit Physical Copies: Send four non-returnable copies of the published book or publisher’s proof to:

- The Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize, - Prizes Department, - The Society of Authors, - 24 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4EH.

- Digital Submission: If the digital file is too large, email it to [contact details removed] or use WeTransfer, quoting the prize name and book title.

- Deadline: Ensure all submissions are received by 31 October 2026.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Ensure the novel meets all eligibility criteria before submission. - Double-check that the submission is made by the print publisher. - Avoid submitting works that contain AI-generated content. Frequently Asked Questions What is the deadline for the 2026 Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize? The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026. Who can apply for this prize? British or Irish writers, or those residing in the UK or Ireland, with a novel published between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026. What types of works are eligible? Full-length novels in English focusing on travel, not translations or children’s books. How much is the prize worth? The winner receives £2,000, and the runner-up receives £750. How should submissions be made? Submissions must be made by the print publisher, with both digital and physical copies required. Next Steps Eligible authors and publishers are encouraged to review the official guidelines and ensure all submission requirements are met by the deadline. For more information, visit the Society of Authors’ website or contact [contact details removed].