The Manasa Lit Prize
A Novel Competition for
New Women Writers
Manasa Publications began this initiative in 2025 to encourage and amplify the voices of women storytellers across India — uncovering powerful, diverse narratives that reflect the richness of women’s perspectives.
2025 Winners
🏆
Young Adult Winner
Mandodari — Queen of Oceans
Vibha Sangita Krishnakumar
🏆
Adult Winner
The Outtakes playing on a Jellyfish Night
Sudha Padmaja Francis
✦
Jury Pick — Selected for Publishing
Like Mother
Abirami M Krishnan
Why Participate?
At Manasa, our mission is to create a vibrant space for women authors to share their unique narratives. This competition is a celebration of women’s creativity and literary brilliance. If you are an emerging writer we invite you to step forward and share your voice.
We can’t wait to read your stories and showcase the incredible talent of women writers across India.
Competition Categories
Category 01
Young Adult
Age: 16 to 25
Panel of Judges
Yet to be Announced
Winner: ₹1,00,000 Cash Prize + Book Publishing
Up to 5 books selected for publication. Decision solely reserved by Manasa Publications.
Category 02
Adult
Age: 26 and Above
Judge
Anjum Hasan
Winner: ₹1,00,000 Cash Prize + Book Publishing
Up to 5 books selected for publication. Decision solely reserved by Manasa Publications.
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility
- ●Open to Indian / Indian-origin women writers only
- ●Original, unpublished works of fiction only
- ●Writers with more than 1 published book not eligible
- ●40,000 to 80,000 words
- ●English language only
- ●One manuscript per participant
- ●Co-authored works not accepted
How to Submit
1
Send manuscript in Word format to connect@manasapublications.com with subject: "Submission - Manasa Lit Prize - For Young Adults / Adults - [Your Name]"
2
Attach cover page: full name, age category, email, phone, short bio (max 200 words)
3
Open: 1st March 2025 — Close: 31st October 2025
Terms & Conditions
- —Manuscripts must be original and not under consideration by any other publisher.
- —Winners and selected novels will grant publication rights to Manasa Publications.
- —The editorial team reserves the right to suggest edits before final publication.
- —Decisions by the judging panel are final and binding.
- —Cash prizes will be distributed upon announcement of winners.
- —Plagiarized entries will be disqualified immediately.
Warm regards, Team Manasa · connect@manasapublications.com