The judges had a real challenge on their hands: first in selecting the longlist of 24 titles, and then in narrowing that list down to just five. The talent and imagination on display were remarkable, and we couldn’t be prouder of all the authors who made it this far.

The 2025 shortlist spans family drama, psychological thriller, book-club fiction, women’s fiction, and historical fiction. The selection features unforgettable young protagonists and powerful coming-of-age narratives, with three novels unfolding in Scotland, one in Norway, and one in 17th-century Lancashire.

Each shortlisted submission had its strengths, but after much lively discussion the judges reached their final decision – and we absolutely love these winning titles!

We are delighted to reveal this year’s winner and runner-up, who will receive £1,000 and £500 respectively. Both will benefit from a one-to-one meeting with one of our agent judges, an opportunity we hope will help them move forward in their writing and publishing journeys.

In 1612 Lancashire, a nine-year-old beggar girl condemns her family to the gallows for witchcraft—only to be accused of the same crime herself twenty-one years later. Why did she betray her own blood? And what secrets does she carry that make her, at last, the hunted?

Judges’ Comments

Hellie: I was so impressed by the opening of this. I love historical fiction but it’s hard to find a novel that wears that lightly, combining research and plotting so well. I really enjoyed it.

Samuel: First of all — great title! Rich historical detail woven in without ever slowing the pace. Incredibly atmospheric and the opening public hanging scene does a great job of hooking the reader while setting up the protagonist and story in a really propulsive and engaging way.

Suzannah: I found myself immersed in the story immediately and was drawn in by the fresh historical take and imagery that doesn’t shy away from the reality of how brutal the witch trials were. I’m really excited to see where the story goes.

Phoebe is from London. She works in publishing, and writes about women lost to the ever-rolling tide of history. 

Instagram: @feeefiphofum

Judges’ Comments

Suzannah: There’s evidence of some accomplished writing skills here. It’s consistently well written and enjoyable to read, yet the sense of unease that permeates doesn’t allow you to relax into the domestic setting. I’m intrigued by the concept of the novel.

Hellie: This was so confidently put together. I felt in very safe hands and thoroughly enjoyed the writing and characterisation. 

Samuel: A confident and consistent voice that I thoroughly enjoyed and championed throughout! Lots of elegant descriptions and strong use of dialogue. I thoroughly enjoyed the quality of writing. A pleasure to read.

Pauline is a writer and charity worker from Glasgow. Her previous novel was shortlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award, the Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award and was the runner up in the Bridport First Novel Award.

Judges’ Comments

Samuel: I love the concept of this. A group of au pairs mutually connected by a past trauma feels like rich pickings. It’s such an exciting premise, and I really think it has great potential. 

Suzannah: This has such a gripping concept and a really compelling voice. There’s something special at the core of the novel, and it takes a strong writer to make a younger voice work and still draw in a mature reader.

Hellie: The concept here is immediate and fantastic. I loved how original this felt and the writing instantly hooked me in. 

Deborah worked for Cosmopolitan magazine and travel publications before turning her attention to fiction. Her short stories and flash fiction have won awards in Britain and Ireland.

Judges’ Comments

Suzannah: I was swept away by the wintery imagery and the immediate sense of intrigue. What starts off with a speculative twist transforms itself into a family drama that has you wanting to read more.

Hellie: This is a crowded area of the market but the novel  stood out for me for its smart world building and sharp writing.

Samuel: A distinctive, highly descriptive voice with complex world-building. I was impressed by the richness of the prose and can tell the writer has spent a great deal of time polishing.  

Elin, a former BPA Pitch Prize winner, has been shortlisted for the Page Turner Awards and longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Competition. She is a Curtis Brown graduate.

Judges’ Comments

Hellie: Fantastic title and brilliant idea. I could instantly see the bookclub appeal of this one.

Samuel: An enormously fun and propulsive opening that instantly shows flair and confidence, so crucial in those opening pages. As a reader, I felt like I was in really safe hands.

Suzannah: The opening of this book is extremely good. It felt fresh and different whilst also immediately finding its place among other books in the same vein. Readers love a peek behind the curtain at professions they rarely see up close, especially those that shock or thrill.

Penny is a poet and child psychiatrist living in Edinburgh. Her novel was completed during a snowy Hawthornden fellowship and was a previous runner up in the Good Housekeeping Novel competition and longlisted in the Lucy Cavendish prize.

Comments from BPA
When reading for the Award, the team discuss the entries and work in reading pairs. Stephanie’s name came up early on in the process as a rare talent. We were blown away by her unique voice and bravery. Her prose is seductive, her story filled with insight into the human condition. We wish her future success.

Stephanie is a writer, artist, and editor of Turkish descent based in London. Her work explores the raw and complex realities of the female experience today. Our Tender Parts is her debut novel. She is a non-fiction editor at Octopus Books, where she commissions illustrated titles across music, culture, science, and philosophy.

Congratulations to our winners and to everyone who made the lists. A huge thank you to every single writer who entered. We wish you all the best with your next drafts.

Each year, we’re fascinated by the themes that capture writers’ imaginations – and by extension, reflect the questions society is asking itself. This year, our submissions brimmed with LGBTQIA+ narratives, climate fiction (Cli-Fi), dystopian worlds, psychiatric ward settings, unlikely romantic and friendship pairings, and references to insect-based snacks.

Looking ahead:

• Our Pitch Prize is open for entries until November 9, judged by the wonderful Liza DeBlock, agent at Greenstone Literary Agency.

• Submissions for the 2026 First Novel Award will open in January – we can’t wait to read your newest draft!