Our Vision

Our purpose is to celebrate excellence in women's writing by creating the first annual prize for English-language fiction published in the United States and Canada.

The goal of this prize is to create a lasting economic impact on the careers of women authors by boosting book sales, improving review coverage, enhancing royalties, increasing book advances and widening readership.

By rewarding authors with a significant financial award, the prize signals support for women's writing accomplishments in both the United States and Canada, and recognizes the importance of acknowledging, celebrating, and promoting women's fiction in both countries. 

In creating a network of writing, publishing and business professionals dedicated to championing and supporting this prize, we are confident the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction will inspire imaginations, create role models and expand the passion for books written by women in readers everywhere.