Horror debut Carrying makes the 2026 First Novel Prize shortlist

Samantha Josephs' forthcoming body-horror debut is among seven books shortlisted for the Center for Fiction's 2026 First Novel Prize.

Samantha Josephs' Carrying has reached the seven-book shortlist for the Center for Fiction's 2026 First Novel Prize. Penguin Random House announced the selection on October 2, ahead of the novel's October 6 hardcover, ebook and audiobook release. The debut follows Martha, a trans woman whose carefully built family life

is disrupted by an impossible pregnancy. The publisher describes it as a horror story that mixes dark comedy with questions of bodily autonomy. The shortlist also includes A Real Animal by Emeline Atwood and Offseason by Avigayl Sharp. Shortlisted writers are due to read at the First Novel Fête on December 4. The

winner is scheduled to be announced December 8. The prize awards $15,000 to its winner and $1,000 to each shortlisted author. See the publisher's shortlist announcement and the official book page. Headline image: Penguin Random House; official Carrying book cover.

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