Image: Women’s Prize for Fiction
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
Minchin: ‘A Glittering Showcase’
In the six-title shortlist released this morning (April 26) in London, the Women’s Prize for Fiction features three debut novelists: Louise Kennedy, Jacquieline Crooks, and Priscilla Morris.
What’s more, there are two writers—Barbara Kingsolver and Maggie O’Farrell—who have won the competition before. And Laline Paull is on her second shortlisting this time.
Among the six, one writer is American, one is Irish, and four are British. Any woman writing in English, regardless of nationality, country of residence, age or subject matter, is eligible to win this prize created in 1996 for a full-length novel published in the United Kingdom between April 1, 2022 and March 31. The date on which the winner is to be named is June 14.
The winner of this award regime receives £30,000 (US$37,527) and a limited-edition bronze figurine known as the “Bessie,” a piece created and donated by the artist Grizel Niven.
Louise Minchin
Jury chair Louise Minchin, in making the announcement, is quoted, saying, “This is an exquisite set of ambitious, diverse, thoughtful, hard-hitting and emotionally engaging novels.
“A glittering showcase of the power of women’s writing.
“My fellow judges and I feel it has been a huge privilege to read these novels, and we are delighted to be part of their journey, bringing them to the attention of more readers from across the world.”
Minchin’s sisters on the panel included Rachel Joycee, Bella Mackie, Irenosen Okojie, and Tulip Siddiq.
Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023 Shortlist
Jurors pictured for the shortlist announcement are, from left, Tulip Siddiq; Irenosen Okojie; chair Louise Minchin, and Rachel Joyce. Image: Women’s Prize for Fiction
| Name of Author | Title of Novel | Publishing Imprint | Nationality |
| Jacqueline Crooks | Fire Rush | Penguin Random House / Jonathan Cape | British |
| Louise Kennedy | Trespasses | Bloomsbury Circus | Irish |
| Barbara Kingsolver | Demon Copperhead | Faber & Faber | American |
| Priscilla Morris | Black Butterflies | Duckworth Books | British |
| Maggie O’Farrell | The Marriage Portrait | Hachette UK / Tinder Press | British |
| Laline Paull | Pod | Corsair | British |
Among publishers, the independent house—one of the United Kingdom’s oldest publishing imprints—Duckworth Books, has a book (Black Butterflies) on the shortlist for the first time.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction was launched 28 years ago by its founding director, Kate Mosse.
More from Publishing Perspectives on international book and publishing awards programs is here. More from us on the Women’s Prize for Fiction is here, and more on the United Kingdom’s awards-heavy book and publishing market is here. More on International Women’s Day is here.
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