The British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME) recently announced the BSME Young Writers' Prize with Caitlin Moran for entries, a new annual award designed to discover and support exceptional young writing talent aged 18-25 from across the UK. 

The Prize specifically targets young people who show real promise but lack the connections or financial resources typically needed to break into journalism. It aims to encourage fresh underrepresented voices into journalism. 

Winners will receive not just prize money, but a year of personal mentorship from Caitlin Moran, work experience with leading UK editors, and genuine pathways into the industry. 

Image: Jason Alfred Palmer

Caitlin Moran said: “At fifteen, I was on a council estate in Wolverhampton, obsessed with the idea of being a writer, but clueless as to how I could get ... there. Into the rooms where it all happens. And then I won my whole career - my whole future - in a writing competition. God bless everyone behind the 1990 Observer Young Writer of the Year - who gave me my first bylines, and showed me those rooms. 

Now I'm 50, I'm equally obsessed with something else - the idea of "paying on" the shot I got, plus adding bells and whistles to it. The mentorship will allow inexperienced young writers to ask the vital questions I was too scared to ask - such as, "Is it bad to make up quotes for people that you interview, if you think of something quite funny?" (Yes. Marilyn Manson will be very cross with you). And the money - the money is vital. I know how quickly lack of cash can crush your ambition: a month after I won the Observer prize, I was offered the chance to review a gig in London - but couldn't afford the £28.42 train ticket down there. I was simply too humiliated to explain why I had to turn it down. I don't think l've ever cried more in my life. For months, I was terrified I might never work again. Thank God that, by the time I got my next offer of work in London, l'd had the presence of mind to sell my brother's skateboard, and invest the proceeds in my future. 

The BSME Young Writers' Prize both wants to open the door to young writers who never thought they'd get to "be in the room", and ensure they never have to sell their brother’s skateboard. I know there is talent out there that will dazzle us. In 2026, it's time to go out there, blow the trumpets, and welcome it in.”  

The Who and the How of the Young Writers' Prize

The Prize opened for entries on 23rd February 2026 and closes on 8th May 2026 with the winner announced at the BSME Awards in November 2026. A judging panel of top magazine editors will shortlist entries, with Caitlin Moran making the final selection. 

Young writers can submit original work that could be a feature, a review, opinion piece, column, personal essay or a piece of creative writing based on a real life experience or event. The competition is open to anyone aged 18-25 across the UK, regardless of education or experience. 

What winners receive: 

£12,000 cash prize 

One year of personal mentorship from Caitlin Moran 

Internships or work experience placements with leading UK magazines or online publications Highly commended writers will receive work experience opportunities 

The Prize has secured headline sponsorship from Mantis, the contextual advertising technology developed by Reach plc, demonstrating the industry's commitment to investing in emerging talent.

The Prize also has support from Anthem, Bauer, C+D, Future PLC, Haymarket, Ralph Magazine, Delayed Gratification - The Slow News Magazine, Stylist and Tickaroo. 

Dan Green, BSME Chair and Editor of The Week Junior Science+Nature, said: “The BSME is proud to have launched this Young Writer’s Prize with the fabulous Caitlin Moran, because backing young talent isn’t a slogan for us – it’s a responsibility. We care deeply about the future of magazines, so we have a duty of care about who gets the chance to write for them. 

We know there are deep-seated issues around access to journalism. The barriers to entry are high and the wages are low. The Next Gen Journalism Report 2025 from Tickaroo found that 80% of young people see low pay as a barrier to entering the industry. That should concern all of us. 

If only those who can afford to work for little or nothing are able to get started, we narrow the range of  voices shaping our national conversation. This prize sends a clear message: talent matters more than  connections and brilliant ideas deserve a platform. 

We’re hugely grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, whose backing has enabled us to get the  inaugural Young Writer’s Prize with Caitlin Moran airborne. We’re excited to see where these new voices will  take it.” 

For more information including the full Ts and Cs - and to enter visit: https://www.bsme.com/young-writers-prize 

@BSME

To read our Q&A with Caitlin Moran and discover more about her writing, career and advice for aspiring writers, click here.