Make your
voice matter
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Alice Darlington Novel Award for under-represented writers across the UK.
The Alice Darlington Novel Award, previously known as Owned Voices, was founded to help under-represented writers, who would one day like to see their novels in print, develop both their writing talent and their understanding of the publishing industry.
With opportunities to win one-to-one mentorship, as well as industry workshops and Q&A sessions, the award hopes to connect raw talent and powerful voices, with leaders across the publishing industry.
How can I apply?
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Firstly, you are eligible to apply if you are unagented, from an under-represented background and have a manuscript of at least 40,000 words for submission.
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Submissions should fall into one of the following categories: Crime, Thrillers & Mystery; Contemporary Romance; Historical Fiction; Contemporary Family Life Fiction; and Book Club Fiction.
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Only one novel can be submitted for consideration, and a full pitch document should be provided as part of your submission (including the brief pitch, a synopsis of the story and the first 2,000 words of your novel).
Key Dates
24/10/25 - Submissions Open
30/01/26 - Submissions Close
13/03/26 - Shortlist Announced
17/04/26 - Winners Announced
What can I win?
Shortlisted entrants will be invited to BLAH BLAH BLAH. From the shortlisted writers, two authors will be selected as the Alice Darling Novel Award winners and will receive one-to-one mentorship from our chosen mentors. blah blah blah
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Keith Finley
Meet the Mentors
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Channing Lee
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Channing Lee
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Monet Goode
Meet the Judges
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Channing Lee
Apply Now
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
FAQs
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
-
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.