Longlists have been revealed for the 2026 Jhalak Prose Prize, the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize, and the Jhalak Poetry Prize. The awards "seek to celebrate books by writers of color in the U.K. and Ireland." Shortlists will be released April 14 and the winners named June 10.
Each winner receives £1,000 (about $1,325). Two artists of color are annually commissioned to create works of art that serve as trophies for the winners of the poetry and prose awards. A children's book illustrator of color is commissioned to create a work for the winner of the children's & YA award.
Prize director Sunny Singh said: "The past decade of the Jhalak Prize is a testament to the range and quality of work by writers of colour in Britain, and their commitment and determination to publish and reach readers.... The Jhalak Prize is an act of love, of family-making with our fellow authors, and I am incredibly proud of the writers who have become part of the Jhalak family as long and shortlisted authors, winners and judges."