Shortlist Revealed for 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction: Celebrating Women and Non-Binary Authors

The excitement surrounding the 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction has reached a peak as PEOPLE exclusively reveals the shortlist. This esteemed award recognizes outstanding novels, short story collections, and graphic novels authored by women and non-binary individuals from the U.S. and Canada. The announcement comes as a reminder of the vital contributions these authors make to contemporary literature.

Meet the Finalists

The five titles that made it to this year’s shortlist are diverse in themes and styles, showcasing the richness of voices in literary fiction. Here are the notable works in contention:

• Pale Shadows by Dominique Fortier, translated by Rhonda Mullins
• All Fours by Miranda July
• Code Noir by Canisia Lubrin
• Liars by Sarah Manguso
• River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure

Selection Process and Jury Input

This year’s shortlist was meticulously selected by a distinguished jury led by chair Diana Abu-Jaber, along with fellow jury members Norma Dunning, Kim Fu, Tessa McWatt, and Jeanne Thornton. Their expertise and passion for literature ensure that the finalists represent the best in contemporary writing from women and non-binary authors.

The Prize: A Life-Changing Opportunity

The winner of the Carol Shields Prize will be awarded a remarkable $150,000, along with an exclusive stay at the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland. This generous prize encourages and supports artists in their creative pursuits. Additionally, runners-up will receive $12,500 each, along with invitations to attend a group retreat at the Leighton Artist Studios at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta.

• Winner’s Prize: $150,000 and an exclusive stay at Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland
• Runners-up Prize: $12,500 each and a retreat at Banff Centre
• The prize money for translated works will be shared between authors and translators

Celebrities of the Past: Previous Winners and Notable Authors

Last year, V.V. Ganeshananthan won the Carol Shields Prize for her novel Brotherless Night. The award is named after the renowned author Carol Shields, whose legacy continues to inspire writers. Other notable past finalists have included:

• Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
• When We Were Sisters by Fatimah Asghar
• Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades

Quotes from the Prize Foundation

In a heartfelt statement, Alexandra Skoczylas, CEO of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, expressed her admiration for this year’s finalists: “Congratulations to these remarkable authors on behalf of everyone at the Carol Shields Prize Foundation. The five finalists represent the finest in literary fiction from women and non-binary authors published in 2024. We are proud to support these authors in a time when our mission to amplify the voices of women and non-binary writers feels more vital than ever.”

Announcement Date and Ceremony Details

The much-anticipated announcement of the winner will take place on May 1 during a ceremony in Chicago. This event promises to bring together literary enthusiasts to celebrate the achievements of women and non-binary authors, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation in literature.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Literary Talent

The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction continues to highlight the significant contributions of women and non-binary authors to the literary landscape. As the shortlist is revealed, excitement builds for the upcoming ceremony, where the winner will be announced. This prestigious award not only offers substantial financial support but also amplifies voices that often go unheard in the literary world. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the awarding ceremony in Chicago!

Keywords: Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, 2025 Shortlist, Women Authors, Non-Binary Writers, Literary Talent, Book Awards, Chicago Literature

Hashtags: #CarolShieldsPrize #LiteraryAwards #WomenAuthors #NonBinaryWriters #2025Shortlist #ChicagoEvents

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