The Women’s Prize for Fiction Judges, from left to right, are Bella Mackie, Tulip Siddiq, Louise Minchin, Irenosen Okojie and Rachel Joyce.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction – the greatest international celebration of women’s creativity – today announces the 2023 longlist. Now in its 28th year, the Prize shines a spotlight on outstanding, ambitious original fiction written in English by women from anywhere in the world.
As part of this year’s celebrations, we have the exciting opportunity for six reading groups to shadow the shortlist of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023. If your group would like to take part, please fill out the questions below by 20 April 2023. Groups will be selected, and books will be sent following the shortlist announcement on 27 April 2023.
How it works
UK Reading groups over the age of 18 are invited to apply for the opportunity to shadow the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023 (see how to enter below).
Each selected group will receive a set of copies of one shortlisted book – in the format of their choice – which they will need to read, discuss and send back feedback and reviews by 5 June 2023 before the winner is announced on 14 June 2023. Each group will also have a questionnaire to fill in to share more insight into their meeting where they discussed the book and individual members are to share reviews on Reading Groups for Everyone website.
The Reading Agency will be hosting a virtual meeting with two members from each of the six selected groups from 6.15-7.15pm on 9 May 2023. This is so that we can meet you all, introduce you to each other and so you may ask any questions you may have about the process.
This year, we are delighted to invite the six selected groups to a private Zoom event with the Women’s Prize for Fiction judges, where two members will share their groups feedback. Groups will have the chance to meet the other groups involved, share their reflections on the books, and get a unique glimpse behind the scenes of the Prize. The event will take place on the evening of 5 June 2023 for approximately an hour with Louise Minchin, Chair of the Women’s Prize for Fiction for 2023.
Group members will also receive free tickets to three online evening events in May (22-24th), where all six shortlisted authors will be in conversation with Kate Mosse, bestselling author and Founder Director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Groups will also be provided with bespoke reading guides to aid their discussions.
Please do not enter if your club does not wish to engage with any of activities outlined above.
We are keen to have groups who are engaged with social media to increase the reach of the Prize. All groups are welcome to apply. Please contact Kimberley.Sheehan@readingagency.org.uk if you have any questions.
Applications will close at 12pm on 20 April 2022.
Key dates
20 April 2023 – Survey to apply to shadow the Women’s Prize 2023 closes at 12pm
26 April 2023 – Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist announcement
27 April 2023 – Six groups selected to shadow the prize and books will be allocated. All groups will be notified of the outcome by 3 May 2023
w/c 1 May 2023 – Selected groups to receive allocated books
9 May 2023 (6.15-7.15pm) – The Reading Agency will host a virtual meeting with two members from each of the six selected groups
22-24 May 2023 – Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023 Virtual Shortlist Festival
5 June 2023 (evening, timing tbc) – Women’s Prize for Fiction and The Reading Agency will host a private Zoom event with two members from each of the six selected groups and the Women’s Prize for Fiction judges
5 June 2023 – Each group to provide photo from final group discussion, questionnaire feedback and individual reviews to The Reading Agency
14 June 2023 – Women’s Prize for Fiction winner announcement
How to enter
To apply for this wonderful opportunity to shadow the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023, fill in and submit the below survey before 12pm, 20 April 2023.
By applying to be selected you are agreeing that your group will engage with the Prize by sharing reviews and photos on social media, completing the feedback questionnaire and attending group specific virtual events.
