The very first Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction Shortlist has been announced

We celebrate the six female authors who have been shortlisted for this much-needed new award

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Judges for The Women's Prize for Non-Fiction
(Image credit: Women's Prize for Non-Fiction)

“You’re never alone with a book,” as my nan used to say, though I’m pretty sure she pinched that saying (probably from an esteemed author). As a passionate reader, I consider some of my favourite authors almost friends (yes, I feel like a ginormous nerd saying that, but it’s true).

The new prize, not to be confused with the better-known Women’s Prize for Fiction, was born out of a study which showed that female non-fiction writers are less visible in the UK media and less likely to win (or be shortlisted for) book prizes than their male counterparts.

Adding to the literary sexism, research shows that female writers not only receive lower advances than men, but have also seen a sharper drop in their earnings in the last five years.

Here, we celebrate the six female authors who have been shortlisted for this much-needed new award.

Judges for The Women's Prize for Non-Fiction

Judges for The Women's Prize for Non-Fiction

(Image credit: Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction)

Non-fiction books by women are...

  • More likely to receive a lower advance
  • Less likely to be reviewed in the UK national media
  • Less likely to be shortlisted, or win, non-fiction book prizes

A Flat Place by Noreen Masud

A FLAT PLACE by Noreen Masud hbk cover

(Image credit: Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction)

All That She Carried by Tiya Alicia Miles

All That She Carried_Tiya Miles_PB book jacket

(Image credit: Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction)

Code Dependent by Madhumita Murgia

Code Dependent cover

(Image credit: Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction)

Doppelganger by Naomi Klein

DOPPELGANGER - Naomi Klein - hb cover

(Image credit: Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction)

How To Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair

HowToSayBabylonFront

(Image credit: Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction)

Thunderclap by Laura Cumming

Thunderclap

(Image credit: Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction)
Mischa Anouk Smith
Mischa Anouk Smith
News and Features Editor

Mischa Anouk Smith is the News and Features Editor of Marie Claire UK, commissioning and writing in-depth features on culture, politics, and issues that shape women’s lives. Her work blends sharp cultural insight with rigorous reporting, from pop culture and technology to fertility, work, and relationships. Mischa’s investigations have earned awards and led to appearances on BBC Politics Live and Woman’s Hour. For her investigation into rape culture in primary schools, she was shortlisted for an End Violence Against Women award. She previously wrote for Refinery29, Stylist, Dazed, and Far Out.