Curtis Brown, the leading literary and talent agency - Curtis Brown Prize

Benefit

The author of the best dissertation on the Master’s programme in ‘Creative Writing’ with a specialism in ‘Novel Writing’ at Brunel University London will receive a one-off cash prize of approximately 1,725 EUR (1,500 GBP). The winner may also be offered representation by Curtis Brown Ltd, one of the oldest and largest literary agencies in the UK. Representation means that the agency will endeavour to get your novel published. Curtis Brown funds the prize and selects the winner. Your final dissertation must consist of an extract of up to 40,000 words from a novel, together with a critical commentary.

Eligibility

• Programme: You are enrolled on the ‘Creative Writing’ Master’s programme at Brunel University London, specialising in ‘Novel Writing’.
• Grade: Your final dissertation was awarded an A or A*, the highest marks in the degree programme. Only these students are eligible.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they take part in the programme.

How to apply

You don’t apply directly. Every year, the senior agents at Curtis Brown select a winner from among the students who have achieved an A or A* for their final dissertation.

How realistic are your chances?

The prize is awarded annually to a student selected from amongst those who achieve an A or A* – so the pool of candidates is small, but the bar is set high. If you write a dissertation that editors consider worthy of publication, you stand a real chance. It all depends on the quality of your writing.