The towering legacy of the revered author Hilary Mantel is to be honoured with a powerful new literary prize designed to catapult emerging writers into the publishing world. The Hilary Mantel Prize will offer one unpublished author each year the golden ticket of a publishing contract with the prestigious 4th Estate, a fitting tribute to an author who was a fierce and generous champion of new talent.
Established by Mantel’s own publisher, 4th Estate, and her longstanding agent, Bill Hamilton of A.M. Heath, the award seeks to perpetuate her profound belief in nurturing the next generation of literary voices. It will be open to all fiction writers over the18 who have yet to secure a book deal, welcoming submissions of short stories or novels-in-progress.
A Fitting Tribute to a Literary Giant
Mantel, the double Booker Prize-winning author of the monumental Wolf Hall trilogy, passed away in 2022, leaving an indelible void in British letters. Beyond her own masterful work, she was celebrated for her immense generosity and unwavering support for fellow writers, often using her platform to uplift others.
This initiative directly continues that mission. Nicholas Pearson, Mantel’s editor at 4th Estate, stated the prize aims to provide the kind of transformative opportunity that can change a writer’s life, echoing the support Mantel herself cherished and championed.
The Path to Publication
The annual prize promises more than just a cash award; it offers a direct pathway to a professional writing career. The winner will receive the ultimate validation for any aspiring author: a publishing contract with 4th Estate, including an advance of £15,000. The judging panel, comprising figures from across the literary world, will be tasked with discovering a unique and compelling new voice that demonstrates exceptional promise.
By focusing on unpublished writers, the prize directly addresses one of the biggest hurdles in the industry: breaking through. It stands as a permanent, impactful memorial to one of Britain's greatest novelists, ensuring her passion for storytelling and her advocacy for writers will inspire and enable talent for years to come.
