A writing prize that helps discover exciting new talent from underrepresented groups will be accepting entries again next month. The SI Leeds Literary Prize for unpublished fiction by Black and Asian female writers has successfully secured funding from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants. Writers will have from 1 April 2024 to midnight May 13th 2024 to send in their entries. The prizes in 2024 will be as follows: £4,000 for the 1st Prize, plus a free place on an Arvon creative writing course, and manuscript assessment through The Literary Consultancy. The manuscript will be given serious consideration for publication by Peepal Tree Press, should this be considered the best fit for the book. £2,000 for the runner-up and £1,000 for the third-placed writer, and manuscript assessment through The Literary Consultancy. In addition, all long listed entrants will be offered a tailored package of support through the unique Prize Plus programme of writer development, includes coaching sessions from The Literary Consultancy, The Written Academy and Anna Caig, covering craft and career development, developing a writing habit that lasts, and maximising a writer’s marketing potential. We will be repeating our successful mentoring scheme, matching selected writers from the 2024 longest with previous Prize alumnae. Further information about the prize and how to enter can be found at www.sileedsliteraryprize.com.
