Half of this year’s list – described as ‘ambitious, eclectic and hard-hitting’ – is made up of first-time novelists appearing alongside novels by previous Women’s Prize-winning and shortlisted authors.

This year’s shortlist has been selected by an independent judging panel chaired by broadcaster and writer Louise Minchin. Louise is joined on the judging panel by novelist Rachel Joyce; journalist, podcaster and writer Bella Mackie; novelist and short story writer Irenosen Okojie; and Tulip Siddiq, Member of Parliament.

Chair of judges Louise Minchin said: ‘This is an exquisite set of ambitious, diverse, thoughtful, hard-hitting and emotionally engaging novels. A glittering showcase of the power of women’s writing. My fellow judges and I feel it has been a huge privilege to read these novels, and we are delighted to be part of their journey, bringing them to the attention of more readers from across the world.’
 

Congratulations to the 6 shortlisted authors!

The 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction winner will be announced on 14th June.