Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction 2026

The Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction 2026 is organised by Writers’ Trust of Canada, a major Canadian literary charity that administers several national literary awards. This prize recognises the year’s most outstanding book-length nonfiction work by a Canadian author, celebrating excellence in research, narrative craft, and contribution to public discourse.

Eligible entries must be nonfiction books written in English and published in Canada during the previous calendar year. Works may encompass biography, history, essays, science, memoir, or other nonfiction categories, provided they demonstrate literary merit and originality. Entries are submitted by publishers on behalf of the authors; self-published or.independently published books are eligible if they meet eligibility criteria defined by the award.

The competition is restricted to Canadian authors (Canadian citizens or permanent residents). A panel of distinguished jurors appointed by Writers’ Trust evaluates the submissions and announces a shortlist followed by the overall winner. Winners receive both financial reward and national recognition, enhancing the visibility of leading Canadian nonfiction.

The schedule for submissions is tied to book publication dates as follows:

• Due Date 1: Feb 11, 2026 for books published between Oct 1, 2025 and Feb 10, 2026
• Due Date 2: Apr 15, 2026 for books published between Feb 11, 2026 and Apr 14, 2026
• Due Date 3: Jun 24, 2026 for books published between Apr 15, 2026 and Sep 30, 2026

Prizes:

• Winner $75,000
• Finalists $5,000

Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

Newsletter
Our newsletter delivers a carefully curated roundup of the newest writing contests and submission calls from around the world—straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of writers who stay informed and ahead of deadlines → Subscribe on Substack (free).