This Oxford/42 Prize Might Just Make Your Year
Ever have one of those days when you’re staring at your manuscript thinking, “Will anyone ever read this masterpiece?” Well, grab your coffee and listen up because I just found something that might be right up your alley.
What’s All This Then?
The University of Oxford and 42 Management have teamed up to create the Oxford/42 New Writing Prize, and it’s pretty much exactly what we’re all looking for—a chance to get our work noticed by people who actually matter in this industry.
I’m not kidding when I say this is open to all of us word-nerds: novelists, playwrights, and screenwriters alike. They want fresh voices telling great stories—whether you’re writing the next great novel, a play that will move audiences to tears, or a screenplay that people will binge-watch in one sitting.
The Juicy Details
Here’s what you get if you win: £1500 (hello, writing retreat fund!) and—wait for it—professional representation by 42. Yes, actual representation. I just spilled my coffee thinking about it.
The judges? Only some of the coolest people in writing:
- Abby Ajayi (the brain behind “Riches” and writer on “Inventing Anna”)
- Chris Chibnall (you know, the “Broadchurch” creator and “Doctor Who” showrunner)
- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst (Oxford professor and award-winning author)
- Rona Munro (the playwright behind “The James Plays” and “Oranges and Sunshine”)
These folks will pick up to six finalists by May 30, 2025, and announce the winner in June.
What They’re Looking For
Here’s where it gets real. You need to send:
- A synopsis (300 words max)
- A two-sentence elevator pitch (make it snappy!)
- And one of these:
- For novels: Your first 10,000-15,000 words
- For stage/radio plays: A complete script (30-90 pages)
- For screenplays: Either a TV pilot (30-60 pages) or a feature film script (90 pages)
They’re cool with experimental stuff or more commercial work—just make it good!
Who Can Enter?
Anyone 18 or older who lives, works, or studies in the UK. That’s it! No publication history required, no fancy MFA needed.
Important Dates
Mark your calendar: April 30, 2025 is the deadline. Don’t be that writer who misses it by a day and then spends the next year kicking themselves.
Next Steps
- Polish up that manuscript or script until it shines
- Craft your synopsis and elevator pitch (this is harder than writing the actual thing, am I right?)
- Save everything as Word or PDF files
- Email your submission to newwritingprize@42mp.com
- Cross fingers, toes, and anything else you can cross
Let’s Do This!
Look, we all know how tough this writing gig can be. But opportunities like this don’t come around every day. The Oxford/42 New Writing Prize isn’t just another competition—it’s a potential career-changer.
So dust off that manuscript, give it one more edit, and throw your hat in the ring. What’s the worst that could happen? (Don’t answer that, we writers have too vivid imaginations.)
Good luck, and may the words be ever in your favor!
Want more details about submission guidelines? Check out the full rules on their website. Now stop procrastinating and start polishing that submission!
