Writers' Trust of Canada - 50 Years
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Awarding the best Canadian novel or short story collection of the year

Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize

Highlights

GuidelinesPrize History

Prize

Winner $70,000
Finalists $7,500

Important Dates

Shortlist announcement: Sep 23, 2026
Winner announcement: Nov 10, 2026

Questions? Please contact:

Devon Jackson, Associate Program Director
djackson@writerstrust.com

About the Prize

Named in honour of Writers’ Trust co-founders and literary couple Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson, who started the organization in 1976 with the help of a few fellow writers and an aim to encourage a Canadian literary culture at home, the Atwood Gibson Prize recognizes writers of exceptional talent for the best novel or short story collection of the year.

The finalists are selected by a three-member, independent judging panel and the winner is announced at the annual Writers’ Trust Awards. Thanks to the generosity of the Balsillie Family Foundation, the prize purse has recently grown to a total of $100,000, with the winner receiving $70,000 (up from $60,000) and each finalist receiving $7,500 (up from $5,000).

2026 Finalists

Jury

A jury composed of David Chariandy, Conor Kerr, and Kathleen Winter selected this year’s award finalists from 118 titles representing 62 publishing imprints. 

We knew the role a major prize could have on a writer’s confidence and career, not to mention their bank account. I can’t wait to discover the new voices and new stories that this prize rewards.

— Margaret Atwood, Writers’ Trust co-founder

The Atwood Gibson Prize is fantastic news for Canadian writers. Margaret and Graeme lit the founding fire that brought the Writers’ Trust into being so many years ago. This prize is a perfect way to commemorate their vision and commitment to the broad ecosystem of our literary culture.

— David Young, Writers’ Trust co-founder

Having recently arrived in the country, reading a spread of contemporary fiction gives me a better insight into the various facets of Canadian culture than any tour guide possibly could.

— Zaneta Laurence, supporter

Supporter

The Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize is supported by the Balsillie Family Foundation.