Earlier this month, The Nature Writing Prize for Working Class Writers opened for 2025 submissions.
The prize was set up in 2020 by writer Natasha Carthew, to create opportunity for working class nature writers of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
This unique prize returns for a sixth year with support of Gaia Books (an imprint of Octopus Publishing Group) and the Arvon Foundation.
The prize is free to enter and encourages self-identifying working class writers from all over the UK, whether they live in the country or in towns, cities and other spaces.
This year’s judging panel is led by Natasha Carthew, Writer and Founder of the Nature Writing Prize for Working Class Writers, Stephanie Jackson; Publishing Director at DK; Philip Jones, Editor of The Bookseller; Juliet Pickering, Vice head of books at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency; Harriet Poland, Literary Agent; Kaiya Shang, Commissioning Editor at Chatto & Windus; Tony Putman, author of Bob the Robin; and Alisha Riley, the 2024 prize winner.
Natasha Carthew, Founder of the Nature Prize said “It’s incredibly important to me that the Class Festival Nature Writing Prize for Working Class Writers continues to show dedication to both publishing and nature, giving a platform to unsung writers and untold stories throughout the country.
Now more than ever, we need a breadth of voices that explore our enduring connection with nature no matter where we live, be it in the city, the countryside, or every place between. Breaking down barriers is key to my work as Founder/Director of the Class Festival brand, where dedication to accessibility is at the heart of everything we do.”
Jessica Minocha, Commissioning Editor at Octopus Publishing Group, said “This prize demonstrates that nature writing is for everyone. It’s a truly unique literary prize that aims to encourage working class writers at the very beginning of their writing careers. I’m so proud that Gaia is supporting this initiative for another year, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside Natasha. I can’t wait to see the submissions for this year!”
Alisha Riley, winner of the 2024 Prize added “The Nature Prize has been a rare and wonderful source of empowerment, encouragement and inspiration. Now, more than ever before, I feel capable and compelled to create beyond my own restrictions. Thank you, Nature Prize!”
The prize is set to burst the stereotype of what it means to be a nature writer and to celebrate the diversity of authentic voices in our country.
PRIZE INCLUDES:
– A paid commission on Caught by the River
– Two online masterclasses with Arvon and one online Arvon writing day
– 3 one-hour mentoring sessions with a Gaia commissioner and 1 one-hour mentoring session with a literary agent
– A book bundle from Octopus Publishing Group
– 5 shortlisted writers to receive a book bundle from Octopus Publishing Group
To enter, please submit up to 1,000 words of original material via the submission portal. Entries close at midnight on 25th April 2025, and the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 8th July 2025.