The 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction Submissions now open!

Dear Publishers,
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The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction is writing to share that submissions are now open for its 2026 Prize. The Prize celebrates excellence in literary fiction by women and non-binary writers in the U.S. and Canada.

The winning author will receive $150,000 USD, while each of the four shortlisted authors will be awarded $12,500 USD.

Submission Deadlines:

• For books published between January 1, 2025, and July 31, 2025, submissions must be received by Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.
• For books published between August 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, submissions must be received by Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.
  
  

Publishers are highly encouraged to submit entries as early as possible to support the Jury’s extensive reading process. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Submission Guidelines (Updated for 2026):

• Eligible works include novels, short story collections, and graphic novels (written and illustrated by the same person).
• Works in translation are eligible, provided both the original author and translator are women and/or non-binary individuals.
• Submissions must be from women or non-binary writers who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada and/or the U.S., writing for an adult audience.
• Publishers may submit only two titles per imprint, per publishing house.
  
  

Key Dates:

• Longlist Announcement: March 2026
• Shortlist Announcement (5 books): April 2026
• Award Ceremony: May or early June 2026 in Toronto, Canada
  

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For questions regarding eligibility or the submission process, publishers may reply to this email or contact Emily Kellogg, Program and Operations Manager, at [email protected].
The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction looks forward to receiving submissions.

—The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction

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