2026 BSME Young Writers Prize

2026 BSME Young Writers Prize

Free contest open to UK residents aged 18-25 for original work (800-1,000 words). Submit entry form, original writing sample, personal statement, and proof of age via sponsor’s online submission form. Sponsored by the British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME).

Deadline: May 8
Categories: 2026 theme is “Tell us about something you love.”
Prize: £12,000 pounds, mentorship, and online publication
For More Info: BSME Young Writers Prize

The British Society of Magazine Editors has teamed up with award-winning journalist and BSME Columnist of the year, Caitlin Moran, to launch a bold new initiative: an annual prize to discover and support brilliant young writing talent.

Caitlin and the BSME share a mission to open doors for young writers who show exceptional promise but lack the connections or resources to break into journalism. We are looking for the next generation of original voices— writers who show the same spark Caitlin did as a teenager in Wolverhampton.

FROM THE DESK OF CAITLIN MORAN

“Hello! I’m Caitlin – and welcome to the British Society of Magazine Editors’ Young Writers’ Prize! I’m going to keep this brief because I deeply believe in the words/vibe of Roxette, when they sang “Don’t bore us/Get to the chorus.”

And the chorus is this: if you are a young writer who knows, deep down in their bones, they should be getting bylines and headlines and attention and cash, then this is the competition for you. Trust me – everyone in the media knows how hard it is for young writers these days.

We know it’s tough if you didn’t go to the right universities, don’t have the right contacts, and can’t, literally can’t, afford to write for free.

That’s why this prize has been created. We can offer mentorship, and a cash prize and the chance for your writing to be published and paid for. If you’ve been waiting for a sign – for an invitation – to show the industry what you’ve got: here it is.

Come and dazzle us.”

NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

Who can apply?

UK residents aged 18-25 from across the UK. All backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and no previous experience is needed.

How do you enter?
Submit a short piece of original writing based on the subject of ‘something you love’. This could be a feature, review, opinion piece, a column, personal essay or a fun piece of creative writing based on your life experience or a news event or a topic that interests you. We are looking for writing that comes from a real place — your experience, your opinion, your obsession with something in the news or just in life. Voice-led, specific, yours.

Who picks the winner?
A judging panel of top editors on the BSME committee will shortlist the entries, and Caitlin Moran will choose the winner.

What will you win?

£12,000 cash prize
One year of personal mentorship from Caitlin Moran
Work experience placement with a UK magazine or online publication
The top ten runners-up will receive a work experience opportunity or 1-to-1 mentoring from a BSME committee member and publication in a printed Writers’ Prize fanzine with industry-standard payment
The top twenty runners-up will be invited to a special online seminar with Caitlin Moran

Timeline
The window for submissions will open on 23 February 2026, and close on 8 May 2026. The Young Writers’ Prize winner will be revealed at the BSME Awards 2026: the biggest night in magazine media.

Please read full terms and conditions before entering.

Entry form

Come check out these great indie publishers:

POST HILL Press Skyhorse Publishing Two Dollar Radio

Think maybe you’ve got the writing bug, too? REAL WRITER’S MARKET. Submissions now open. Check it out…

Thank you and Happy Publishing…