2026 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction Submission Form

2026 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction Submission Form
Please carefully review our full submission guidelines before completing this form.

Books published between January 1, 2025 - July 31, 2025, must be received on or before Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.

Books published between August 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025, must be received on or before Wednesday October 15, 2025, at 11:59pm PST.

The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction is designed to acknowledge, celebrate, and promote the best works of fiction written by women and non-binary writers annually in Canada and the United States.

NEW for this year: Submission Fee.

a) There is a submission fee for each title submitted: $75 USD or $100 CAD, based on the country/location of the publisher. Note: fees set to be equal dollar value for both currencies when converted to CAD.

b) Please be prepared with payment information before you begin the online submission process.

c) The submission fee is non-refundable. Note: Publishers whose submitted books are deemed ineligible by the Foundation will still be subject to the stated submission fee. Please review the eligibility criteria closely before submitting.

d) Accepted payment methods: credit card, check. The submission fee can be paid with a credit card via a link sent to the submitter’s email, sent after the online form is completed, or by sending a check (made out to “Carol Shields Prize Foundation”) to The Carol Shields Prize Foundation, P.O. Box 31086, RPO College Square, Toronto, ON M6G 4A7.

e) We are committed to ensuring access to publishers of all sizes. Please contact us at info@carolshieldsprizeforfiction.com if the submission fees are likely to prohibit the publisher from entering the Prize, and staff will work with the publisher to make alternate arrangements.
Author Name**

First NameLast Name
*Please note that the initial name listed in the "Last Name" field will be used to determine alphabetization in our promotional materials should the title reach the longlist of the Prize.
Translator Name* (if applicable)

First NameLast Name
*Please note that the initial name listed in the "Last Name" field will be used to determine alphabetization in our promotional materials should the title reach the longlist of the Prize.
Book Title*
Publishing Company Name*
Imprint Name*
I confirm that the author is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States.*

United States citizen or permanent residentCanadian citizen or permanent resident
I confirm that the book submitted is by a woman or non-binary writer.*

Yes
If applicable, I confirm that the book submitted is translated by a woman or non-binary translator who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States.

YesN/A
Author Pronouns*
e.g. she/her, they/them, etc.
If applicable, Translator Pronouns
e.g. she/her, they/them, etc.
Author Residency*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
I attest that should the author be shortlisted for the Prize, they will attend the prize event in May/June 2026, which will require a commitment of a two to three days. The Prize will cover pre-approved travel costs for the prize event: economy flight, ground transportation (hotel/airport/hotel and back), accommodation, and per diem.*

Yes
I attest that should the author be shortlisted for the Prize, they will agree to assist with reasonable promotional efforts such as interviews, readings, and appearances, in the months surrounding the Prize announcement. The Prize will ensure that authors be reimbursed for expenses incurred in service of promoting the Prize.*

Yes
Author Biography (PDF, approximately 100 words)*

Please name file "Biography_AuthorLastName_AuthorFirstName." Please note that should the title be longlisted for the Prize, this is the biography which will be circulated on our social media and to press.
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If applicable, Translator Biography (PDF, approximately 100 words)

Please name file "Biography_TranslatorLastName_TranslatorFirstName." Please note that should the title be longlisted for the Prize, this is the biography which will be circulated on our social media and to press.
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High-Resolution Author Photo (.JPG)*

Please note that this is the photo the Prize will use in marketing materials if the book is longlisted for the Prize. Please confirm that this is the highest resolution photo possible. Please name file "AuthorPhoto_AuthorLastName_FirstName_NameofPhotographer"
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Name of Photographer
If applicable, High-Resolution Translator Photo (.JPG)

Please note that this is the photo the Prize will use in marketing materials if the book is longlisted for the Prize. Please confirm that this is the highest resolution photo possible. Please name file "AuthorPhoto_AuthorLastName_FirstName_NameofPhotographer"
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Name of Photographer
I confirm that the Carol Shields Prize Foundation has permission to use the image(s) in our promotional materials.*

Yes
I confirm that the originating publisher and imprint is based in Canada or the United States.*

Yes
I confirm that the book is/will be made available in bookstores in Canada or the United States.*

Yes
I confirm that should the submitted title be shortlisted, the publisher agrees to help market and promote the book*

Yes
I confirm that should the submitted title win, the publisher agrees to promote the book and author on the publisher's website, on the publisher's social media, and to collaborate with the Prize in seeking key media interviews.*

Yes
Publisher Contact Name (in the event your author is longlisted or shortlisted)*

First NameLast Name
Publisher Contact Number (in the event your author is longlisted or shortlisted) *
example: 555-555-5555
Publisher Contact Email (in the event your author is longlisted or shortlisted)*

Confirmation Emailexample@example.com
Publicity & Marketing Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
Publicity & Marketing Contact Email*

Confirmation Emailexample@example.com
Publisher Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Book File Uploads

Please upload a PDF and an EPUB, if available. Please do not use a watermark across text, or include text overlaid on images on a digital book, as it may adversely affect the reading experience of the jury. Upon entry, files remain in a restricted folder accessible only the Jury and staff. Files will not be shared with any outside parties. If you have any issues, please email info@carolshieldsprizeforfiction.com
Book Publication Date*

YearMonthDay
Date
Book Description (PDF, approximately 150 words)*

Please name file "BookDescription_BookTitle"
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PDF Copy *

Please name file "DigitalCopy_BookTitle"
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EPUB Copy (if available)

Please name file "EPUB_BookTitle"
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High-Resolution Book Cover Image (.JPG)*

Please note that this is the image which will be used should the title be longlisted for the Prize. Please use the highest resolution available. Please name file "BookCoverImage_BookTitle"
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List of Eligible Titles
Upload a list of all eligible fiction scheduled for publication between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. Be sure to include title, imprint, author, and date of publication on the list. Please indicate which two (2) books per imprint will be submitted.

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By submitting a title, the publisher confirms the book was published by a publishing house with a professional editorial process, independent of the authors. Authors must not pay for the publishing house’s editorial, marketing, or publicity services. Self-published books are ineligible.*

I agree
By submitting a title, the publisher confirms the book does not contain AI-generated text in part or in whole.*

I agree
By submitting a title, the publisher agrees that they have read, understood, and agree with the terms and conditions of the prize.*

I agree
Name of Authorized Signing Officer*

First NameLast Name
I would like to subscribe to the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction mailing list to receive the latest news about submissions, programs, and more.*

YesNo
How will you pay the submission fee?*

By checkOnline - U.S. CurrencyOnline - CAD CurrencyI have already made an alternate arrangement with CSPF staff.
Pay by Check: I will send a check to the amount of $75.00 USD or $100.00 CAD (made out to "The Carol Shields Prize Foundation") to The Carol Shields Prize Foundation, PO Box 31086, RPO College Square, Toronto, ON M6G 4A7, Canada. On the "memo" section of the check, I will indicate the name of the title submitted.

I agree
Contact Email for Processing Payment: Please note an email will be sent to this address with a link to a payment form in the currency indicated above.*

Confirmation Emailexample@example.com
Online Payments

You will receive an email to the email address you have provided for "Contact Email for Processing Payment." You must complete this payment before your submission will be considered. Please email info@carolshieldsprizeforfiction.com if you have not received an email from Jotform with a link to the online payment form within 48 hours or if you have any issue with the payment form.
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2026 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction Submission Form

Book File Uploads

List of Eligible Titles

Online Payments