The Nan Shepherd Prize 2023 longlist has been announced!

In an incredibly strong year of submissions, 17 titles have been selected for the Nan Shepherd Prize 2023 longlist. Thank you to everyone who submitted. The shortlist will be announced in mid-October.

Between 31 May and 25 August 2023 unpublished nature writers were invited to submit their book proposals to the 2023 Nan Shepherd Prize. Submissions are now closed and the longlist has been announced. The shortlist will be announced in mid-October. Join our newsletter to stay up to date.

The prize is open to previously unpublished writers based in the UK and Ireland who consider themselves underrepresented in nature writing, whether through ethnicity, disability, class, sex, gender, sexuality or any other circumstances.

What does the winner receive?

The winner receives a £10,000 publishing contract with Canongate Books. This includes editorial mentoring. If they do not already have a literary agent, then they will also receive an offer of representation from Caro Clarke of Portobello Literary Agency.

What if you don’t win? Can you take your proposal elsewhere?

Yes! The prize has been designed to have entry requirements that match what an agent or publisher would look for in a book proposal. We hope it can be a useful encouragement to get you to work on your book. If you have not been longlisted you might find this resource helpful.

How do I apply?

The prize is now closed for submissions, and the longlist for the 2023 prize has been announced. The prize will run again in 2025. The submission guidelines are still available to read here.