Nero New Writers Prize launched

The search for the best unpublished writers in Ireland and Britain has begun with the launch of the 2026 Nero New Writers Prize in association with Brunel University of London.

Started in 2025 to celebrate the best unpublished writers, the prize aims to discover the writing stars of the future and support their development. Entrants are asked to submit a previously unpublished short story (a piece of fiction or narrative non-fiction) of up to 5,000 words. It can be written for children or for adult audiences and should be a self-contained piece of work.

The winner of the Nero New Writers Prize will receive a cash prize of £3,000, alongside a scholarship to study for an MA in Creative Writing at Brunel, an introductory meeting with a literary agent and more great prizes.

The prize will be judged by Paul Murray, bestselling author and winner of the 2023 Nero Gold Prize, Irish Times literary critic and novelist, Helen Cullen, and Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo. A new award dedicated solely to Brunel students has also been announced.

Submissions are now open and will close on September 11th. For full details and an entry form visit nerobookawards.com.

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