Carol Hellings White

Established in 2020, the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction is a significant literary award recognizing Canadian and American women and non-binary writers for works published in English. The prize boasts a substantial monetary award of US$150,000 for the winner, with US$12,500 for each finalist, positioning it among the most financially rewarding literary awards globally.

Initially open to English-language works, the prize also extends eligibility to French-language literature by Canadians and Spanish-language literature by Americans, provided they are published in an English translation. The judging process involves a diverse jury, ensuring representation from Canadian, American, and international perspectives. The award honors the legacy of novelist Carol Shields, celebrated for her advocacy and mentorship of female writers and her dual citizenship.

Beyond the financial reward, the winner receives a residency at the Fogo Island writers' retreat and undertakes a year-long mentorship with an emerging female or non-binary writer. The prize was co-founded by novelist Susan Swan and editor Janice Zawerbny, with support from a committee featuring prominent literary figures. The inaugural award ceremony took place in 2023.