Are you an aspiring playwright, screenwriter or novelist? 42 are delighted to announce the launch of a multi-disciplinary storytelling competition in conjunction with The Faculty of English at the University of Oxford.
The Oxford/42 New Writing Prize is open to anyone aged 18 or over living, working or studying in the UK at the closing date for submissions. The winner will receive £1500 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 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 (in Word format):
- 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.
- Novel – the first 10,000 to 15,000 words
Please email them to: Oxfordwritingprize@42mp.com
The closing date is 30 April 2025.
See more detailed Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions here.
Source: BBC Writers