The Comedy Women in Print Prize is a literary award for comedy novels written by women. It was founded in 2018 by Helen Lederer in response to the low number of women awarded the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize, having only been presented to three women in 18 years. However, Lederer has been careful not to describe the prize in critical terms. She also acknowledges that her status as a well-known comedian has helped draw focus onto the award.
It has been received as a positive way to shine a light on comedic novels, in an environment where publishers may regard comedy as difficult or risky.
The award started with two categories: published and unpublished novels. In 2022, an additional award was added to celebrate a debut published author. This is known as the New Voice award and commemorates the legacy of Sue Townsend.
In 2025, the award was expanded to permit self-published novels to be entered for the first time. Other new awards included in 2025 were the Jilly Cooper Award, won by Sara Pascoe; the Honorary Game Changer Award, won by Tameka Empson; and the Honorary Witty Impact Award, won by Alison Steadman.
Past winners +Previous winnersYearCategoryAuthorTitlePublisherJudges2019Published Comedy NovelElectric MonkeyMarian Keyes, Kathy Lette, Katy Brand, Shazia Mirza, Jenny Eclair, Allison PearsonUnpublished Comedy NovelCow GirlHarperCollinsFanny Blake, Susan Calman, Martha Ashby, Jennifer Young, Lara Marshall, Karen McPherson2020Published Comedy NovelReasons to Be CheerfulPenguin Books Lolly Adefope, Marian Keyes, Emma Kennedy, Pauline McLynn, Joanna Scanlan, Laura StevenUnpublished Comedy NovelTinker, Tailor, Schoolmum, SpyHarperCollinsYomi Adegoke, Fanny Blake, Kate Bradley, Grace Campbell, Kirsty Eyre, Jennifer Young, Rachel Ball, Dr Nicola Streeten, Janet Ellis, Hannah Berry, Jen Brister, Paula WilcoxHumorous Graphic NovelWas it… Too Much for You?Humorous Graphic NovelCassandra DarkeFlash Fiction (Women in Pants)2021Published Comedy NovelDial A for AuntiesHQJoanne Harris, Maureen Lipman, Steph McGovern, Cathy Rentzenbrink, Nina Stibbe, Susan WokomaUnpublished Comedy NovelHarperCollins Sarah Shaffi, Martha Ashby, Faye Brann, Gloria Hunniford, Thanyia Moore, Dr Jennifer YoungFlash Fiction (Comedy Cringe) (in partnership with Black Girl Writers and People in Harmony)Llewella Gideon2022Flash Fiction (Faux Pas Flash) 2023Published Comedy NovelFactory GirlsJohn MurraySusie Blake, Michelle de Swarte, Anita Dobson, Angie Greaves, Jesse Q. Sutanto, Arabella WeirUnpublished Comedy NovelHappy Above Us re-titled Home Sick for publicationHarperCollinsCharlie George, Llewella Gideon, Liz Hoggard, Rebecca Rogers, Lucy Stewart, Jennifer YoungNew Voice AwardWahalaJohn MurrayFlash Fiction (Festive Flash) Deborah Frances-WhiteComedy Short Story (in collaboration with Farago) Sorry, Delivery Gabby Hutchinson Crouch, Abbie Headon, Yasmeen Khan, Olga Koch, Ria Lina, Chrissie Manby2024Flash Fiction (Worst Winter Party)Sadie KayeEmergency Party Services2025Published Comedy NovelFundamentallyW&NChizzy Akudolu, Susannah Constantine, Kerry Godliman, Chrissie Manby, Ingrid Oliver, Ranvir SinghUnpublished Comedy NovelMusic for the Samosa Generation Dawn Butler, Janet Ellis, Liz Hoggard, Malaika Kegode, Keshini Naidoo, Jennifer YoungSelf Published Comedy NovelRuth FosterA Perfect Year? Ollerford PublishingLlewella Gideon, Alison Hume, Lesley Joseph, Deborah Maclaren, Silvia Saunders, Nina WadiaPeople's Choice AwardFundamentallyW&N Commendation for Comedic CultureGeneration Ex Honorary Game Changer Award Honorary Witty Impact Award Jilly Cooper Award Weirdo References