Discoveries: our writer development programme

Submissions for the 2024 Discoveries programme are now closed.

Discoveries invites unpublished and unagented women writers in the UK or Ireland to submit the opening of a novel in English – up to 10,000 words – across any genre of adult fiction for the chance to take part in a bespoke creative writing course, secure personalised mentorship packages, an offer of literary agent representation and a prize of £5000. Unlike most initiatives of this kind, writers are not required to have finished their novel, and Discoveries is completely free to enter.

Run in partnership with Audible, Curtis Brown Literary Agency, and the Curtis Brown Creative writing school, Discoveries is more than a traditional prize; it is a pioneering development initiative which offers practical support and encouragement to aspiring female novelists of all backgrounds. 

Designed to inspire as many women as possible to enter and to help writers refine their submissions, the Women’s Prize Trust, Curtis Brown Literary Agency and the Curtis Brown Creative writing school will curate a library of free writing resources to run throughout the submissions window, including writing tips and insights into the agenting and publishing process, practical advice and inspiration from judges, Women’s Prize for Fiction winners and publishing professionals. There will also be a programme of live and online events and workshops.

Submissions for Discoveries 2024 are now closed. The longlist will be announced on 18th April 2024.

Terms and conditions of entry for 2024 can be read here and FAQs here. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear Discoveries updates and receive weekly writing tips, inspiration and resources. 

Watch the video below to hear from the brilliant Discoveries 2024 judging panel:

This year’s judging panel is chaired by Kate Mosse, international bestselling novelist and Founder Director of the Women’s Prize; and includes award-winning authors Natasha Brown and Rowan Hisayo Buchanan; Jess Molloy, Curtis Brown literary agent; and Anna Davis, Founder and Managing Director of Curtis Brown Creative writing school. 

The winner of the Discoveries Prize receives an offer of representation from Curtis Brown and £5000. The sixteen longlisted authors will receive a bespoke, two-week online Discoveries Writing Development Course taught by Women’s Prize shortlisted author Charlotte Mendelson and an annual Audible subscription; while the six shortlisted authors will also have access to mentoring with a Curtis Brown agent, a free place on a six-week online writing course with Curtis Brown Creative and a studio session focused on writing and recording for audio with Audible. One promising writer – named the ‘Discoveries Scholar’ – will also win a free scholarship to attend a three-month Writing Your Novel course with Curtis Brown Creative.

Since the launch of Discoveries, over 15 longlisted writers from 2021-2023 have gone on to gain literary agent representation. The first Discoveries publishing deal happened in 2023 with Penguin Michael Joseph acquiring the debut novel by Olivia Ford – Mrs Quinn’s Rise to Fame, and 2022 winner Sui Annukka published an Audible original novella, The Mother Sun, in spring 2023. Read this feature by Sui Annukka on the supportive community of writers that has grown out of Discoveries and the lasting impact of the programme.

Get inspired with our writing resources from authors, agents and more below. 

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