The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction is a distinguished award dedicated to the art of historical fiction. It recognizes works that illuminate the past with literary merit, whether set in distant centuries or within living memory. The prize is open to novels and short story collections published in the previous year, with the requirement that the narrative takes place at least sixty years before the time of writing. This temporal distance ensures a genuine engagement with history, not merely nostalgia. Submissions are made by publishers, not authors, reflecting the prize's alignment with the publishing industry. There is no charge to submit a book, but a fee of £1,200 plus VAT is levied per shortlisted title to support promotion and marketing of the shortlist. Publishers agree to this contribution upon entry and also commit to featuring an approved Walter Scott Prize roundel on future reprints of shortlisted books. This model underscores the prize's collaborative approach with publishers to elevate historical fiction. The prize does not specify a monetary award in the provided details, but its prestige is well established. Shortlisting brings significant attention, and the roundel serves as a mark of quality. The curatorial vision is to celebrate fiction that brings history to life with authenticity and narrative power, honoring the legacy of Sir Walter Scott.