# Chanel and Women’s Prize Trust Launch 'Originators' Program for Emerging Writers

> Chanel and the Women’s Prize Trust have introduced 'Originators,' a new annual mentorship and grant program for emerging female novelists in the U.S.

- Published: 2026-09-30T14:00:00.000Z
- Category: fashion
- Source: [WWD](https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/chanel-womens-prize-trust-originators-program-1239284129/)
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Chanel has partnered with the Women’s Prize Trust to launch 'Originators,' an annual initiative designed to support emerging female novelists based in the United States. The program provides selected writers with mentorship, industry access, and a financial grant to assist in the development of their manuscripts.

**Why it matters:** The program provides financial and professional support to five unpublished female novelists in the U.S., expanding Chanel's existing literary initiatives and the Women’s Prize Trust's efforts to champion female writers.

## Program Details and Selection Process

The inaugural edition of the program will select five unpublished novelists through a public submission process. Applicants are required to submit a writing sample and a synopsis for consideration. The judging panel for this first year includes A.M. Homes, Virginia Evans, V.V. Ganeshananthan, Tayari Jones, and Nicole Krauss.

## Submission Timeline and Background

Submissions for the program open on Wednesday and will remain open until November 30 via the Women’s Prize website. The winners are scheduled to be announced in the spring of 2027, accompanied by a celebratory event. This initiative adds to Chanel’s existing literary efforts, such as the Literary Rendezvous series and the Nouvel Obs Literary Prize.

### Timeline

- **Wednesday** — Submissions for the Originators program open.
- **Nov. 30** — The submission period for the program closes.
- **Spring 2027** — The program winners will be announced at a celebratory event.

**Key points**

- The 'Originators' program is open to unpublished female novelists in the U.S.
- Five writers will be selected to receive mentorship, industry access, and a grant.
- The judging panel features authors A.M. Homes, Virginia Evans, V.V. Ganeshananthan, Tayari Jones, and Nicole Krauss.
- Applications are accepted through the Women’s Prize website until November 30.
- Winners will be announced in spring 2027.