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 โ€” uncovering powerful, diverse narratives that reflect the richness of women's perspectives.

2025 Winners
๐Ÿ†
Young Adult Winner
Mandodari โ€” Queen of Oceans
Vibha Sangita Krishnakumar
๐Ÿ†
Adult Winner
The Outtakes playing on a Jellyfish Night
Sudha Padmaja Francis
โœฆ
Jury Pick โ€” Selected for Publishing
Like Mother
Abirami M Krishnan
2025 Shortlist
Mandodari โ€” Queen of Oceans
Vibha Sangita Krishnakumar
Young Adult
Clocked Out
Poornima Murali
Young Adult
She Who Devours
Muskaan Shokeen
Young Adult
Like Mother
Abhirami M Krishnan
Adult
The Game beyond Mountains
Anamika Nath
Adult
The Redemption of Daniel Ruskin
Nandhini Bhattacharya
Adult
The Outtakes playing on a Jellyfish Night
Sudha Padmaja Francis
Adult
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: โ‚น1,00,000 Cash Prize + Book Publishing
Up to 5 books selected for publication.
Category 02
Adult
Age: 26 and Above
Judge
Anjum Hasan
Winner: โ‚น1,00,000 Cash Prize + Book Publishing
Up to 5 books selected for publication.
Submission Guidelines

Eligibility

  • โ—Open to Indian / Indian-origin women writers only
  • โ—Original, unpublished works of fiction only
  • โ—Writers with more than 1 published book not eligible
  • โ—40,000 to 80,000 words
  • โ—English language only
  • โ—One manuscript per participant
  • โ—Co-authored works not accepted

How to Submit

1
Send manuscript in Word format to connect@manasapublications.com with subject: "Submission โ€“ Manasa Lit Prize โ€“ [Your Name]"
2
Attach cover page: full name, age category, email, phone, short bio (max 200 words)
3
Open: 1st March 2025 โ€” Close: 31st October 2025
Submit via Email โ†’
Terms & Conditions
  • โ€”Manuscripts must be original and not under consideration by any other publisher.
  • โ€”Winners and selected novels will grant publication rights to Manasa Publications.
  • โ€”The editorial team reserves the right to suggest edits before final publication.
  • โ€”Decisions by the judging panel are final and binding.
  • โ€”Cash prizes will be distributed upon announcement of winners.
  • โ€”Plagiarized entries will be disqualified immediately.
Warm regards, Team Manasa  ยท  connect@manasapublications.com