The longlist for the Avon x Mushens Entertainment Prize has been revealed!

The prize, launched earlier this year, is open to writers of commercial fiction from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. The judges are members of the Avon editorial team, Silé Edwards from Mushens Entertainment, and author guest judge Imran Mahmood.

Spaghetti by Tamara Bugembe
Little White Lies by Farah Faqir
The Radiant Dark by Cheyanne-Joni Morris
Just So You Know by Betty-Maxine Onwuteaka
The Element of Trouble by Ivy Ngeow
Double Blind by Perween Richards
The Country Ain't Built for Us by Ayo Okoya
Bully by Dee Spencer
House of Olympus by Ingrid Banerjee Marvin
Almost Strangers by Farrah Yusuf
How To Divorce a Psychopath by Angelina Melwani
Ben & Gia by Ipsita Deb

Edwards said: "It’s been an utter joy to see such a dynamic and engaging collection of stories - really considered writing and great characters in each submission, with every story being compelling in its own way. There is such promise in the 12 titles, and I congratulate each of the writers longlisted."

Cara Chimirri, project leader at Avon, said: "The whole team at Avon were blown away by the incredible submissions we received, and our longlist truly wowed us with their phenomenal writing, creativity and skilful storytelling. We would like to thank all authors who sent us their work, the standard was exceptionally high across the board."

First prize is a two-book deal with Avon, a grant to support the winner's writing career, and representation from Mushens Entertainment. The longlisted authors will be invited to an online seminar with editors and judges.

Congratulations and best of luck to the authors who made the longlist!