AutHer Awards 2026 Longlists Unveiled for Women Writers in India
The highly anticipated longlists for the AutHer Awards 2026 were officially announced today, spotlighting the best women authors across four major literary categories. This national award, a pioneering initiative dedicated exclusively to women writers in India, revealed its selections for Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children's Literature, and Debut works.
Record Submissions and Rigorous Selection Process
The Times of India, in partnership with JK Paper, received an overwhelming response with approximately 3000 entries submitted for consideration. These submissions came from both established publishing houses and individual authors vying for the prestigious honor. The AutHer Awards, now in its sixth edition since its inception in 2018, celebrates women authors who have significantly enriched the literary landscape with their creativity and value.
The jury meticulously evaluated books published by women in India between December 2024 and November 2025. Each submission underwent multiple layers of rigorous screening before reaching the final panel of eminent judges for assessment.
Distinguished Jury Panels for Each Category
The AutHer Awards 2026 assembled a panel of respected literary figures to judge the entries. The jury composition for the various categories is as follows:
- Fiction: Manju Kapur, Sudeep Nagarkar, and Kiran Manral
- Non-fiction: Ravikant Kisana, Amrita Shah, and Dr. Radha Kumar
- Debut: Soha Ali Khan, Preeti Shenoy, and Vasudhendra
- Best Children's Literature: Nina Sabnani, Neil D'Silva, and Zai Whitaker
The longlists have been arranged randomly, reflecting the diverse and high-quality submissions received.
Upcoming Announcements and Grand Ceremony
The literary community now eagerly awaits the next phase of the awards. The AutHer Awards Shortlist is scheduled to be announced on March 15, 2026. This will be followed by the grand finale where the winners will be revealed at a ceremonial event in New Delhi on March 22, 2026.
The awards ceremony will not only honor the top winners in the four main categories but will also include additional recognitions. Cash prizes will be awarded to the category winners, alongside winners of the Popular Choice Award and the Best Manuscript Award for aspiring authors. Furthermore, a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to a distinguished woman author in recognition of her enduring contributions to literature.
The AutHer Awards continue to serve as a vital platform, empowering and acknowledging the exceptional talent of women writers across India, fostering a richer literary culture for future generations.
