About the Prize
The SI Leeds Literary Prize is an award for unpublished fiction by UK-based Black and Asian women, aged 18 and above. The goal of the prize is to champion fresh and original literary voices from underrepresented groups and to help them break into the publishing industry.
We are proud partners of the Prize, which is sponsored by Arts Council England, The Opportunity Centre and Soroptimist International, and also presented in partnership with Peepal Tree Press, The Literary Consultancy, Arvon, New Writing North and Mslexia.
The Prize is awarded biennially and winner receives a monetary reward, a place on a creative writing course, 1:1 coaching, and a manuscript assessment.
“Entering the SI Leeds Lit Prize was an integral step on my path to publication.”
– LM Dillsworth
“The SI Leeds Literary Prize is so important in helping women of colour to believe there is space for us in publishing. Being longlisted really encouraged me to carry on writing, and gave me the confidence to keep going and achieve my dream.”
– Saima Mir
The biennial award has helped support a new generation of writers – from Amita Murray and Mahsuda Snaith to Minoli Salgado and Season Butler to Kit de Waal and LM Dillsworth – who have gone on to receive deals with major publishers.
Applications
Applications for the 2024 Prize are now closed. You can watch the winner announcement for the 2024 Prize below.
Visit the SI Leeds Literary Prize for further information.