The Kitschies, a prominent UK prize celebrating boundary-pushing sci-fi and fantasy fiction, has announced its conclusion after 15 impactful years, according to reports.
Founded in 2008, the award has been pivotal in promoting diversity, inclusivity and innovation within the speculative fiction genre. As the organisers revealed the final shortlist for the prize, they reflected on the transformative journey of The Kitschies and the evolving British science fiction and fantasy (SF/F) landscape.
Leila Abu el Hawa and Jared Shurin, the directors overseeing The Kitschies this year, explained the decision in an exclusive statement to The Bookseller. “The landscape of British SF/F has actually transformed incredibly over the past 15 years,” they shared. “The conversation around diversity and inclusion—though still far from over—has progressed significantly since 2008.”
The Kitschies have long been run by a dedicated team of volunteers, with all funding directed entirely towards prize winners rather than administrative expenses. Over the years, the award has offered accolades, organised events, hosted workshops and fostered partnerships to promote creative growth within speculative fiction. The volume of annual submissions has surged since The Kitschies’ inception, highlighting the industry’s respect for the prize. This year, they received almost 300 submissions from over 60 different publishers and imprints.
One of the 2024 judges, author Anne Charnock, shared her enthusiasm for the shortlist, which showcases exceptional writing and imaginative worlds. “I found myself swept away by the writing talent in this year’s entries,” Charnock remarked. “These stories transport readers to richly imagined worlds—whether dystopian, fantastical, ecologically surreal, or just plain strange.”
According to Charnock, the diversity of voices and the ambitious storytelling reflect the strengths of contemporary speculative fiction, offering readers glimpses into unique worlds and perspectives.
Despite its closure, The Kitschies’ influence on British SF/F will likely resonate for years to come, leaving a legacy of inclusivity and literary ambition.
