We’re delighted to share extracts from our winning and runner-up memoirs – and some words of praise from Judge Manni Coe!
Alinah Azadeh – Meeting the Water
Judge Manni Coe said:
“Meeting the Water captivated me from the first paragraph and quite simply, did not let me go. With this memoir, the author has delivered an extract of pure promise.”
Read an extract from Meeting the Water here
Dayna Bateman – Hustling Vinyl: A Family History of the Record Business and How We Survived the Hype
Judge Manni Coe said:
“The vision for Hustling Vinyl is clear from its opening sentence: to awaken the author’s memory of her father with vivid prose and settle the anomalies of his life and work. She succeeds in both and we were honoured to enjoy her talent.”
Read an extract from Hustling Vinyl here
Memoir opens…
Our memoir competition opens 15 June 2026, deadline 30 September 2026.
Good luck!
