McKitterick Prize 2027: A Prestigious Opportunity for Debut Novelists Over 40

The McKitterick Prize, established by Tom McKitterick and supported by the Hawthornden Literary Retreat, is an annual award for authors over 40 who have written their first novel. This prize, first awarded in 1990, offers a significant opportunity for mature writers to gain recognition. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: The Society of Authors

- Opportunity Type: Literary Prize

- Funding Amounts: £4,000 for the winner, £2,000 for the runner-up, £1,000 for each shortlisted author (up to four)

- Eligible Applicants: Authors over 40 years old

- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom (for publication)

- Deadline: 31 October 2026

- Project Duration: Annual award

About the Opportunity

The McKitterick Prize aims to celebrate and support debut novelists over the age of 40. It recognizes the unique perspectives and experiences that mature authors bring to literature. The prize is awarded to a first novel, which can be either published or unpublished, that showcases creativity and imagination. Funding and Benefits

- Winner: £4,000

- Runner-up: £2,000

- Shortlisted Authors: £1,000 each (up to four authors)

- Additional Benefits: Recognition and promotion through the Society of Authors

Who Is Eligible? - Authors must be living and over 40 years old by 31 October 2026. - The novel must be the author’s first published or unpublished work, excluding children’s books. - The work must be a full-length novel in English, not a translation, poetry, or short story collection. - The novel must be a work of fiction or imagination. - For published works, the novel must have been first published in the UK between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026. - Submissions must be original and free of AI-generated content. - Publishers are limited to two submissions per imprint. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The prize focuses on full-length novels that are works of fiction or imagination. It does not support translations, poetry, short stories, or children’s literature. Why This Opportunity Matters The McKitterick Prize provides a platform for older debut novelists to gain recognition and financial support. It highlights the value of diverse voices and experiences in literature, encouraging authors who may have pursued other careers or life paths before writing. How to Apply

- For Published Entries:

- Complete the online entry form. - Send five non-returnable copies of the published book or proof to: - The McKitterick Prize, Prizes Department, The Society of Authors, 24 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4EH. - Upload a digital version of the book. If the file is too large, email it to [contact details removed].

- For Unpublished Entries:

- Upload one copy of the manuscript formatted according to the style guide: - A4 paper size, 12-point font, title and author’s name on the first page, page numbers, maximum of 30 pages. - Submit in .doc/.docx/.pdf format. Next Steps Interested authors should review the official guidelines and ensure their submissions meet all criteria. For further details and to apply, visit the Society of Authors’ McKitterick Prize page.