Mayo-born writer makes his mark in major competition

Mayo-born writer, musician and songwriter Michael Stevens has been named one of just 12 winners of the Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition 2026, selected from an impressive 804 submissions from 38 countries.

Originally from Mayo and now living in Dublin, Michael's writing has appeared in a range of literary journals. He is a two-time Arts Council funding recipient and is also a founding member of the Popical Island collective.

Michael will now have the opportunity to pitch his debut novel directly to leading publishers and literary agents during the Irish Writers Centre's dedicated pitch days next month.

As the Irish Writers Centre celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, the International Debut Novel Competition continues to strengthen its reputation, attracting an impressive number of submissions.

While this year's 12 winning novelists hail from Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe, the breadth of entries highlights the competition's growing global reach and the organisation's enduring commitment to discovering outstanding new literary voices wherever they may be.

Of the submissions received, 413 came from Ireland and 194 from the UK, followed by strong interest from the United States, Australia (40 entries), France, Germany, Canada, Croatia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating the increasing international recognition of both the competition and the Irish Writers Centre.

The 12 winning writers will now have the opportunity to skip the traditional publishing queue, pitching their debut novels directly to leading publishers and literary agents during two dedicated pitch days taking place on September 10 and 11. During these exclusive sessions, the writers will pitch their work either face-to-face or over Zoom with some of the publishing industry's leading decision-makers.

Publishers and literary agencies who have previously participated include Bonnier Books UK, Hachette Ireland, Penguin Random House, John Murray Press, New Island Books, William Morris Endeavor, Fitzcarraldo Editions, Poolbeg Press, The Book Bureau, Rye Literary Agency, Curtis Brown and The Lisa Richards Agency, among others.

Mags McLoughlin, CEO of the Irish Writers Centre, said: “As we celebrate 35 years of the Irish Writers Centre, it feels especially fitting to continue investing in the next generation of writers. One of the most rewarding aspects of this competition is seeing writers progress from pitching an unpublished manuscript to celebrating the publication of their debut novel.

“Just last week, we were delighted to host the Dublin launch of Andrew Cunning's debut novel, Clara and Christina (John Murray Press), here in the Irish Writers Centre. Andrew first pitched that very novel through this competition in February 2025, making it even more rewarding to now welcome the next group of talented writers who are embarking on the same journey.”

The Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition is an annual literary competition that awards twelve unpublished novelists the opportunity to pitch their novels directly to leading publishers and literary agents. Over the years, it has become an important stepping stone for emerging writers, providing invaluable industry access and helping launch new literary careers.

The Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition 2026 winners are: Eileen Donnellan (originally from east Clare, now residing in Croatia), Fiona Ennis (Waterford), Philip Fitzpatrick (Dublin), Caitríona McGuire (Dublin), Tom Hall (Dublin), Adana Keane (Gorey, Co. Wexford), Paul McMahon (Clonakilty, Co. Cork), Colin Sheridan (Salthill, Galway), Michael Stevens (originally from Mayo, now residing in Dublin), Zoë Dunkley (Basel, Switzerland), Angela Pertusini (London, England) and Christopher Smith (Brighton, England).