Comedy Women in Print Prize
The Comedy Women in Print Prize is a literary award for comedy novels written by women. It was founded in 2018 by Helen Lederer in response to the low number of women awarded the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize, having only been presented to three women in 18 years. However, Lederer has been careful not to describe the prize in critical terms. She also acknowledges that her status as a well-known comedian has helped draw focus onto the award.
It has been received as a positive way to shine a light on comedic novels, in an environment where publishers may regard comedy as difficult or risky.
The award started with two categories: published and unpublished novels. In 2022, an additional award was added to celebrate a debut published author. This is known as the New Voice award and commemorates the legacy of Sue Townsend.
In 2025, the award was expanded to permit self-published novels to be entered for the first time. Other new awards included in 2025 were the Jilly Cooper Award, won by Sara Pascoe; the Honorary Game Changer Award, won by Tameka Empson; and the Honorary Witty Impact Award, won by Alison Steadman.