Women's Prize for Fiction
The UK's most prestigious annual book award celebrating outstanding fiction written by women from around the world.
About the Women's Prize for Fiction
The Women's Prize for Fiction is one of the UK's most prestigious literary awards, celebrating excellence, originality, and accessibility in fiction written by women. Founded in 1996 (originally as the Orange Prize), the award was established to address the underrepresentation of women on major literary prize shortlists.
The prize has a strong track record of identifying exceptional talent and important works. Past winners have gone on to become internationally bestselling authors, and winning titles often become cultural touchstones.
Award History
- 1996-2012 - Known as the Orange Prize for Fiction
- 2013 - Briefly unsponsored as "The Prize for Fiction"
- 2014-2017 - Known as the Baileys Women's Prize
- 2018-present - Known as the Women's Prize for Fiction
Eligibility Requirements
The book must be written in English by a woman of any nationality, and must be published in the UK between specific dates. Works in translation and debut novels are eligible. The prize aims to recognize and celebrate fiction written by women and to promote the work of women writers worldwide.
Recent Women's Prize Winners
| Year | Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | The Bee Sting | Paul Murray |
| 2023 | Demon Copperhead | Barbara Kingsolver |
| 2022 | The Book of Form and Emptiness | Ruth Ozeki |
| 2021 | Piranesi | Susanna Clarke |
| 2020 | Hamnet | Maggie O'Farrell |
| 2019 | An American Marriage | Tayari Jones |
| 2018 | Home Fire | Kamila Shamsie |
| 2017 | The Power | Naomi Alderman |
| 2016 | The Glorious Heresies | Lisa McInerney |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a prize only for women?
The prize was founded in 1996 after research showed that women were underrepresented on major literary prize shortlists and won fewer prizes despite publishing equal numbers of books. The award aims to promote and celebrate fiction by women writers.
Can women from any country win?
Yes, the prize is open to female authors of any nationality, as long as the book is written in English and published in the UK during the eligibility period.
What does the winner receive?
The winner receives 30,000 pounds in prize money, plus a limited-edition bronze figurine known as the "Bessie," created by artist Grizel Niven. The prize brings significant media attention and typically boosts book sales substantially.
How are books nominated?
Publishers submit eligible titles to the prize. An academy of women from various fields, including authors, critics, and media figures, then recommends books to the judging panel, who create the longlist, shortlist, and select the winner.