‘The short story, my father once wrote, is “exquisitely difficult”. For the author, that is. All the same, I hope that many, many people will enter this competition in his memory. And if they want encouragement and inspiration they may find it in one of his own short stories. There are so many to choose from, but I would particularly recommend “The Evils of Spain”, one of my favourites, from the very beginning of his amazingly long writing career, or the wonderful “Cocky Olly”, written more than half a century later.’
 — Oliver Pritchett

This prize commemorates an author who is widely regarded as the finest English short-story writer of the 20th century.

The VS Pritchett Memorial Prize of £1,000 is for an unpublished short story. It was relaunched in 2009 in collaboration with Prospect magazine, who will be publishing the winning entry.

Apply for the 2010 Prize

The entry form for the 2010 competition is now available for download.

The deadline for entries is 30 June 2010.

To purchase a limited edition print of V.S. Pritchett by David Levine, and other Levine prints, go to www.davidlevineart.com. D.Levine Ink licenses the rights to use all images created by David Levine. Contact David Levine at info@davidlevineart.com to inquire about licensing arrangements. Go to davidlevineartist@blogspot.com to learn more about David Levine.

Download the entry form

The 2009 Prize

The 2009 VS Pritchett Memorial Prize was won by Kate Clanchy for her story The Not-Dead and the Saved. Judges Georgina Hammick, Jacob Ross and Tom Chatfield admired her ‘deft, thought-provoking exploration of parental love and sacrifice’.  The winning story appeared in the December 2009 issue of Prospect magazine.

The runner-up was Ruth Thomas for her story, Rock of Ages.

The 2008 Prize

The 2008 VS Pritchett Memorial Prize, judged by Tessa Hadley, Georgina Hammick and Jacob Ross, was awarded to Cynthia Rogerson for her story A Dangerous Place.

The runners-up were Claire Harman for Bad Luck for a Bride, Susan Holland for Reception, Leone Ross for Love Silk Food and Dennis Walder for The Place.

Past recipients