We are delighted to announce the winners of the First Novel Prize 2026.
This year’s First Prize of £1,000 has been awarded to Katy Gullestrup for Before It Ends Again, while the £500 Shortlist Prize has been awarded to Liz Isaacs for The Lucas Lie.
The winning manuscripts were selected from this year’s shortlist by Hayley Steed, Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit, and Sally Williamson, Senior Commissioning Editor at Transworld, Penguin Random House UK.
First Prize Winner: Katy Gullestrup
Before It Ends Again
Winner of the First Prize and £1,000
Before It Ends Again impressed the judges with its immediacy, pace and compelling central dilemma.
Hayley Steed and Sally Williamson said:
‘Before It Ends Again stood out for its engaging voice and fast pace. The intrigue was built from the very first page through the viewpoint of a relatable main character in Caro, and the pace didn’t let up – the ending to the first chapter was a real cliffhanger!
‘The set-up of the story – a dark domestic incident where Caro’s daughter is accused of murdering their neighbour’s son – also taps into the question of what you would do in that situation, which added another dimension to reader engagement.’
Reacting to the news, Katy Gullestrup said:
‘When the email arrived, I had to read it several times to process the information! I’m absolutely delighted to win the First Novel Prize and still can’t quite believe it.
‘Writing a novel is a journey often carried out quietly behind the scenes, so it’s incredibly special to have that hard work recognised in this way and to receive positive feedback from industry experts. Thank you!”
Shortlist Prize Winner: Liz Isaacs
The Lucas Lie
Winner of the Shortlist Prize and £500
The judges praised The Lucas Lie for its intriguing premise, compelling twists and, above all, the strength and complexity of its characters.
Hayley Steed and Sally Williamson said:
‘The Lucas Lie has an intriguing concept and a very immediate story set-up which made for a compelling narrative full of twists.
‘But what really made this stand out was the characters. The dynamic between Harry and Clara was fantastic and all the characters in the story were complex and interesting, leaving the reader wanting to find out more.’
Liz Isaacs said:
‘I am absolutely thrilled to win the Shortlist Prize for The Lucas Lie. Having my debut novel recognised in this way is an incredible honour.’
Congratulations to our 2026 winners
The First Novel Prize exists to discover and celebrate unpublished and independently published novelists and to bring exceptional new writing to the attention of publishing professionals.
Our warmest congratulations go to Katy Gullestrup and Liz Isaacs, and to all of the writers who reached the 2026 longlist and shortlist.
We would also like to thank our judges, Hayley Steed, Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit, and Sally Williamson, Senior Commissioning Editor at Transworld, Penguin Random House UK, for the time, insight and care they brought to selecting this year’s winners – and every writer who entrusted us with their work.
Entries will open again in February 2027.