Young writers have days left to enter £12,000 journalism prize backed by Attitude and Caitlin Moran
Open to UK residents aged 18 to 25, the competition is aimed at aspiring writers who may not have traditional routes into journalism
By Callum Wells
The British Society of Magazine Editors has issued a final call for entries to its 2026 Young Writers’ Prize, supported by partners including Attitude, with submissions closing this Friday (8 May) at 5pm.
Open to UK residents aged 18 to 25, the competition is aimed at aspiring writers who may not have traditional routes into journalism, industry contacts, or formal qualifications.
This year’s prize includes a £12,000 cash award, a year-long mentorship with Caitlin Moran, work experience opportunities with leading UK editors, and publication in a zine distributed to more than 200 industry figures.
What are entrants asked to submit for the BSME’s 2026 Young Writers’ Prize?
Entrants are asked to submit an original piece of 800 to 1,000 words responding to the prompt: “Tell us about something you love,” alongside a short personal statement.
In a statement shared as part of the campaign, Moran said: “I won my career in a writing competition at 15. I want to do the same for someone else. But we can’t find them without your help.”
She added: “If you know a brilliant young writer who thinks opportunities like this aren’t ‘for people like them’ – make them enter. They’re exactly who this is for.”
Attitude is among the supporting partners
According to the BSME, the prize is designed to help uncover talented young voices who may otherwise feel excluded from the media industry.
Attitude is among the supporting partners backing the initiative alongside a number of other media organisations.
Young writers can enter via the British Society of Magazine Editors website before the deadline on Friday 8 May at 5pm.