The 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction is set to mark its 30th anniversary with a powerhouse panel of judges, led by award-winning author Kit de Waal, according to a statement on womensprize.com. The prize, which celebrates women’s voices in literature, brings together a group of esteemed professionals from various fields, each renowned for their work and contributions to the arts.
Kit de Waal, an acclaimed author and advocate for diversity in storytelling, has been appointed chair of the judging panel. She expressed her excitement at the opportunity, calling it an “honour” to lead during such a milestone year. De Waal, whose debut novel My Name is Leon became an international bestseller and was adapted for television, shared her enthusiasm for the breadth of stories to come: “We’re all looking for books that inspire, inform, take chances, and, most importantly, stay with us long after the last page.”
Joining de Waal on the panel are four distinguished women: Diana Evans, Bryony Gordon, Deborah Joseph and Amelia Warner. Each brings a unique perspective, ensuring a wide range of voices will be heard in the judging process.
Evans, a bestselling novelist and former winner of the Orange Award for New Writers, is no stranger to the Women’s Prize. Her works, including Ordinary People and A House for Alice, have been critically acclaimed, with nominations for major literary prizes such as the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction.
Gordon, a celebrated mental health campaigner and columnist, is known for her candid writing on mental health issues, making her an influential figure in both literature and public advocacy. Her memoirs, including Mad Girl and You Got This, have become bestsellers, while her work with Mental Health Mates continues to create vital spaces for mental wellness discussions.
Joseph, a trailblazer in digital media, brings her expertise as the former Editor-in-Chief of Glamour UK. Her career in fashion journalism and digital transformation positions her as a key voice on the intersection of media and literature.
Rounding out the panel is Warner, an award-winning composer known for her orchestral film scores. Warner’s creative background in both acting and music promises a fresh and dynamic approach to evaluating this year’s nominees.
With such a diverse and accomplished panel, the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction promises to be an exciting and transformative year for women’s literature.
