Congratulations to Caron Garcia Martinez and Marie-Andrine Constant.

Learn more about our She Writes Press Toward Equality in Publishing program

What it is: This amazing contest started in 2018 with the intention to elevate women writers of color on the SWP list, and these are our 14th and 15th winners—in a very competitive field of submissions. Join me in saying congratulations! Can’t wait to read their books, which will come out in 2027!

What winners receive: Two women authors per year receive full publishing packages (plus a 500-book print run) with She Writes Press.

Who it’s for: The contest targets writers of color, specifically women whose heritage is African, Indigenous to the Americas, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Arab, or people of mixed racial heritage.

How to enter: Submissions consist of a query letter, full chapter summaries, and the first 50 pages of the work — or a query letter and a full-length nonfiction book proposal for nonfiction. Applicants are also asked to share their heritage or background as part of the process. It’s open to all countries and regions, one entry per person.

Timing: The 2026 contest dates will be updated soon.

It’s now in its 8th year, STEP exists as part of She Writes Press’s broader mission to give voice to women writers who are underrepresented in the industry.

Learn more about our STEP program here.

Here’s a showcasing of previous winners: 

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