The Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, established in 2022, is an annual literary award presented by British bookseller Waterstones to the best debut fiction published in the previous 12 months. The award is intended to "celebrate[] the very best fresh voices in fiction and share[] the joy and magic of discovering new authors." Fictional books of all genres are considered, "including genre fiction such as crime, sci-fi and fantasy as well as fiction in translation."

Award winners receive and "the backing of all Waterstones shops."

Recipients +Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize winners and finalistsYearAuthorTitleResultRef.2022The Rabbit HutchWinnerLessons in ChemistryShortlistTrespassesHow High We Go in the DarkVagabonds!Memphis2023In MemoriamWinnerChain-Gang All-StarsShortlistFire RushClose to HomeWandering SoulsKala2024Glorious ExploitsWinnerMartyr!ShortlistThe Ministry of TimeThe Silence in BetweenMongrelGreta and Valdin2025 The Artist WinnerConfessionsShortlistSunstruckSaraswatiOrdinary SaintsWhen The Cranes Fly South2026Rebecca PerryMay We Feed the KingWinnerMadeline CashLost LambsShortlistJiyoung HanHoney in the WoundTara MenonUnder WaterStephanie Sy-QuiaA Private ManAngela TomaskiThe Infamous Gilberts

See also

Waterstones Book of the Year Waterstones Children's Book Prize Waterstones Children's Laureate Waterstones 11 Guardian First Book Award

References