Oxford/42 New Writing Prize
The Faculty of English at the University of Oxford has announced the launch of a multi-disciplinary storytelling competition in conjunction with management and production company, 42.
The Oxford/42 New Writing Prize is looking for talented new voices in storytelling, and is open to aspiring novelists, playwrights, and screenwriters. They are interested in experimental writing as well as work that would appeal to a broad audience.
The competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 living, working or studying in the UK and Ireland at the closing date for submissions. The winner will receive £1500 along with professional representation by 42.
An expert panel of judges from the worlds of literature, stage and screen includes; Abby Ajayi, creator of Riches (ITVX and Amazon) and writer on Emmy nominated Inventing Anna (Netflix); Chris Chibnall, creator of Broadchurch (ITV), Doctor Who Showrunner, and author of Death at the White Hart (Penguin 2025); Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, author of Metamorphosis and Professor of English Literature at the University of Oxford; and Rona Munro, award winning Scottish dramatist of The James Plays and Oranges and Sunshine.
They will select a shortlist of up to six entries by 30th May 2025. The winner will be announced in June.
To enter the competition, you need to submit a synopsis (up to 300 words) and an elevator pitch of no more than two sentences for a work of fiction, along with one of the following:
Novel – the first 10,000 to 15,000 words
Stage or radio play – a complete script of between 30 and 90 pages
Screenplays – a script of between 30 and 60 pages for episode one of a TV show or a complete feature-length film script of 90 pages.
They are now accepting entries. Please email them to: Oxfordwritingprize@42mp.com
The closing date is 30th April 2025. Further info here.
