The Faculty of English at the University of Oxford, in conjunction with management and production company 42, has launched a multi-disciplinary storytelling competition.
The Oxford/42 New Writing Prize seeks talented new voices in storytelling and is open to aspiring novelists, playwrights, and screenwriters. They are interested in experimental writing and works that would appeal to a broad audience.
The competition is open to anyone over 18 living, working or studying in the UK and Ireland at the closing date for submissions. The winner will receive £1,500 along with professional representation by 42.
The 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 30 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 via email to oxfordwritingprize@42mp.com. The closing date for entries is 30 April 2025.
Robert Douglas-Fairhurst said: “I’m delighted to be involved in judging the Oxford/42 New Writing Prize. It isn’t always easy for new writers to make their voices heard – all too often they are ignored or made to feel like uninvited guests at a private party – but I am greatly looking forward to discovering what they have to say.”
Eugenie Furniss, Literary Agent at 42, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Faculty of English at Oxford and such a stellar lineup of judges to launch this inclusive prize.
“In today’s landscape we feel it is important to encourage storytellers in whichever medium they feel drawn to. As a literary agent, little beats the excitement of discovering new talent and we hope this prize will encourage aspiring writers to finally get started on the idea they have been dreaming about”.
Image credits: Abby Ajayi: Photo © Chelsea Lauren. Chris Chibnall: Photo by Ash Mills. Rona Munro: Photo by Lesley Martin. Robert Douglas-Fairhurst: Photo by John Cairns
