From the 16-book longlist revealed in March, the Women’s Prize for Fiction has unveiled its 2026 shortlist of six novels, spotlighting debut authors and books from independent publishers. The selected works explore human connection and social roles, with the winner to receive £30,000 and the bronze Bessie statuette.
The shortlist comprises: Flashlight by Susan Choi (Jonathan Cape, Vintage, Penguin Random House UK); Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (Europa Editions UK); The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House UK); The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson (Cassava Republic Press); Kingfisher by Rozie Kelly (Saraband); and Heart the Lover by Lily King (Canongate).
This selection highlights fresh voices, including multiple debuts and first-time nominated publishers, continuing the prize’s tradition since 1996 of celebrating women’s fiction in English published in the UK. The judging panel is chaired by Julia Gillard, former Australian Prime Minister, with Mona Arshi (poet, novelist, essayist), Salma El-Wardany (author, presenter, poet, speaker), Cariad Lloyd (writer, podcaster, actor, comedian), and Annie Macmanus (author, broadcaster, DJ).
The winner will be revealed on June 11, 2026, in Bedford Square Gardens, London, alongside the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction.
