Entry criteria:

New voices: For this year’s competition, we are specifically looking for work by writers with little or no track record in journalism. If a large part of your income has been from journalism already, this is not the competition for you.

New writing: We are interested in new writing. Your piece should not have been previously published in print or on a website.

Word count: Reviews should be no longer than 800 words. This limit does not include your title.

Worldwide: We welcome entries from anywhere in the world, although all entries should be written in English. You are welcome to enter more than once.

New work in the arts: By ‘new’, we mean something that has happened or appeared since 1 January 2025. This includes ongoing series that started before 2025, new exhibitions of old artworks, and significant reprints and rereleases. If you need clarification, email us.

Anonymity: You don’t have to include your name in your review. Entries will be anonymised before being forwarded for judging.

Format: Not essential, but our preferred format is 12-point Times New Roman, and Word documents rather than PDFs. Do not include pictures or hyperlinks: they will be edited out.

Fees: Entry fees are non-refundable. We offer a limited number of subsidised entries to those on low income: details on how to apply for this are on our Enter page.

Timeline: Entry deadline is 11.59pm GMT on 28 February 2026. In spring 2026, we will announce a longlist followed by a shortlist. In May 2026, one writer will win our first prize of £3000, and have their review published in the Observer, while two runners-up will each receive £500 each. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to the live prize ceremony.

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