The Caine Prize for Literature has opened a call for submissions of short stories for its 2026 edition.

Writers are encouraged to submit short stories of no less than 3000 words and no more than 10,000 words, published between February 27, 2021, and February 27, 2026.

Submissions must be made by publishers with the author’s consent, not individuals. And while multiple stories from a publisher are allowed, they must not submit more than one story from the same author. Self-published works and unpublished stories are not eligible.

This year’s judges are: the chair, Bola Mosuro; Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond; Orsod Malik; Siphiwo Mahala; and Sheila Atim. The jury will select five shortlisted stories after the February 27 submission deadline.

Shortlisted writers receive £500, while the grand prize winner walks away with £10,000. Where a translated work wins the prize, 70 per cent goes to the author and 30 per cent to the translator.

Bola Mosuro