Award-winning journalist Caitlin Moran partners with the BSME to discover the next generation of writing talent from overlooked backgrounds
The British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME) has announced the launch of the BSME & Caitlin Moran Young Writers' Prize, a new annual award designed to discover and support exceptional young writing talent aged 18-25 from across the UK.
The Prize, announced at the BSME Awards 2025 at Rosewood London, specifically targets young people who show real promise but lack the connections or financial resources typically needed to break into journalism.
Winners will receive not just prize money, but a year of personal mentorship from Caitlin Moran, work experience with leading UK editors, and genuine pathways into the industry.
Caitlin Moran said: “At fifteen, I was on a council estate in Wolverhampton, obsessed with the idea of being a writer, but clueless as to how I could get ... there. Into the rooms where it all happens. And then I won my whole career - my whole future - in a writing competition. God bless everyone behind the 1990 Observer Young Writer of the Year - who gave me my first bylines, and showed me those rooms.
Now I'm 50, I'm equally obsessed with something else - the idea of "paying on" the shot I got' plus adding bells and whistles to it. The mentorship will allow inexperienced young writers to ask the vital questions I was too scared to ask - such as, "Is it bad to make up quotes for people that you interview, if you think of something quite funny?" (Yes. Marilyn Manson will be very cross with you). And the money - the money is vital.
I know how quickly lack of cash can crush your ambition: a month after I won the Observer prize, I was offered the chance to review a gig in London - but couldn't afford the £28.42 train ticket down there. I was simply too humiliated to explain why I had to turn it down. I don't think l've ever cried more in my life. For months, I was terrified I might never work again. Thank God that, by the time I got my next offer of work in London, l'd had the presence of mind to sell my brother's skateboard, and invest the proceeds in my future.
The BSME Young Writers Competition both wants to open the door to young writers who never thought they'd get to "be in the room", and ensure they never have to sell their brothers' skateboard. I know there is talent out there that will dazzle us. In 2026, it's time to go out there, blow the trumpets, and welcome it in.”
The prize has secured headline sponsorship from Mantis, the contextual advertising technology developed by Reach plc, demonstrating the industry's commitment to investing in emerging talent. The prize also has support from Future PLC, Ralph Magazine and CiteLine.
Andrea Thompson, BSME chair and editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, said: "The magazine industry is at its best when it is reflective of the diverse range of voices and experiences of our society. At the BSME, we are committed to supporting young talent from under-represented backgrounds within the industry. This initiative is about giving life-changing opportunities to brilliant young writers who lack the connections or resources to break into the magazine world but who absolutely deserve to be there. It’s been a pleasure to work with Caitlin on a prize she feels so passionately about, and which creates genuine pathways for the next generation."
The prize will launch for entries on 23 February 2026, with the winner announced at the BSME Awards in November 2026. A judging panel of top magazine editors will shortlist entries, with Caitlin Moran making the final selection.
Young writers can submit original work and a personal statement. The competition is open to anyone aged 18-25 across the UK, regardless of education or experience.
What winners receive:
Cash bursary
One year of personal mentorship from Caitlin Moran
Internships or work experience placements with leading UK magazines or online publications
Highly commended writers will receive work experience opportunities
