The Mo Siewcharran Prize 2026

The Mo Siewcharran Prize 2026 is organised by Bookouture as part of Hachette UK’s The Future Bookshelf initiative, an award launched to discover and support previously unpublished writers from under-represented ethnic backgrounds. The prize honours the memory of NielsenIQ BookData’s former Director of Marketing and Communications, Mo Siewcharran, and nurtures new voices in commercial fiction.

The competition seeks adult commercial fiction in the sub-genres of psychological thriller or romance that is written in English, engaging, page-turning, and commercially appealing. Entrants must be unagented, unpublished, aged 18 or over, UK residents, and identify as Black, Asian, mixed heritage and/or multiple ethnic background. Submissions consist of a synopsis (up to 700 words) and the first 10,000 words of the novel-in-progress.

The prize is UK-specific (residency requirement) and judged by a panel of industry professionals chaired by editors and agents associated with Bookouture. Longlists and shortlists are announced publicly ahead of the winner announcement, which takes place at an awards ceremony.

Prizes:

• Winner: £2,500, a 1,000-word editorial feedback report, a one-hour online editorial session, an introductory literary agent meeting, an interactive session with the Bookouture team, a hamper of Bookouture books, and consideration at the Bookouture acquisitions meeting (possible publication under their royalty model).
• Runner-up: £1,500, editorial feedback, mentoring session, and a Bookouture book hamper.
• Second runner-up: £750, editorial feedback, and a Bookouture book hamper.

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.

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