Tom.Grass.Prize

22/05/2026

Juliette is once again making the award pieces for the Tom Grass Prize, inspired by Tom’s own drawings. It’s gorgeous to remember him in this way. We can’t wait to see what we’ve got for our big prize giving next month!

Thank you

15/05/2026

Congratulating the Top 10!

We entered the Tom Grass Spirit of Adventure Literary Prize for Year 2 with a sense of excited expectation, and those expectations have been richly met. The call for short fiction or non-fiction responding to the spirit of adventure can be interpreted in endless extraordinary ways. It was thrilling to hear voices from around the world and share diverse experiences of love, conflict, and self-discovery, stretching the physical and the emotional boundaries of adventure.

We received 527 submissions from 52 countries across 6 continents. The standard was extremely impressive. With thanks to all the writers who entered, we are very excited to announce the jury's nominations of our shortlist.

Because I Want To, Maria Sol Baker, Argentina

If You Were a Dog, This Wouldn’t Have Happened, Valo Christiansen, Germany

Pretty China, Elizabeth Cooke, UK

The Last Hike, Christian Emecheta, Nigeria

Every Twenty Minutes, Elia Isaac, UK

The Pride of Prestwick, Bryony Lorimer, Canada

When My Spirit Fled, and Danced, Freya Kristin Masters, UK

Still Hers, Rahila Mmahi, Nigeria

Girls On The Moon, Leila Taheri, UK

Ash & Saltwater, Lily Woodberry, Australia

The winners—one first prize and two runners-up—will be announced on 11 June at our award ceremony in London. Until then, we invite you to honour all the voices that brought the spirit of adventure to life and celebrate the significant achievements of our shortlisted writers.
Discover the writes and read their stories on the Tom Grass Prize website.

09/05/2026

The shortlist will be announced on Friday 15th May.

05/05/2026

Ever closer to arriving at the shortlist of stories. Stay tuned!

29/04/2026

All 527 entries are being read and reviewed. Shortlist announced in May… 🤞

25/04/2026

19/04/2026

The numbers are in. 527 entries from 51 countries. Honestly? We're thrilled!

Every single entry has been read, and the standard is very high. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to share their writing with us.

Our jury is hard at work, the longlist is coming together and the shortlist of 10 will drop on 15th May. Stay tuned!

01/04/2026

Submissions are now closed.

Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s Tom Grass Spirit of Adventure Prize.

We’re excited to begin reading and to discover the stories that lie ahead.

The shortlist will be announced on 15th May. Good luck to all who have entered and thank you again.

From the whole team behind the prize 🫶

30/03/2026

Don't leave it too late!!!

1,500-3,000 words in the “Spirit of Adventure”.

Open to emerging writers over the age of 25 from around the world.

£1000 for first prize, and two runners-up prizes, each £500.

Enter on the Tom Grass Prize website. Link in bio 👆
We look forward to receiving your story.

27/03/2026

Enter on the Tom Grass Prize website