Inside the AutHer Awards and their growing impact on women writers

Women writers have played a defining role in India’s literary landscape, producing work that questions norms, opens up public conversation, and reflects social change. The seventh edition of the AutHer Awards, presented by JK Paper in collaboration with The Times of India, aims to recognise women authors across genres while encouraging greater participation in publishing and storytelling.This year, with over 2,900 entries across five categories, the competition was rigorous. The multi-stage evaluation process, from assessments by process partners to reviews by the screening committee and final deliberations by the grand jury, reflects the awards’ commitment to excellence and fairness.To explore the evolution and impact of the initiative, insights were gathered from Literary Director Jaya Bhattacharji Rose and Editorial Director Smita Mishra. Q. Jaya, this marks your third year with the AutHer Awards, and Smita, your seventh. How would you describe the journey so far, and what personal milestones stand out for each of you?Jaya: In the three years that I have been Literary Director, AutHer Awards, it has been magnificent to see it grow in stature; none of which would have been possible without the team working like one organism. Everyone brought their strengths to the table and worked efficiently at the responsibility that they were entrusted with. One of the many comments that I received illustrates this: “The AutHer Awards have set an incredible new benchmark in their 7th season, kudos to you and the entire team!”The milestones that stand out are the rise in the number of submissions from publishers and authors, the quality more than the quantity, albeit the latter increased steadily too. The goal post has shifted in three years from being an award ceremony to diversifying its product collateral with podcasts in collaboration with TOI Bookmark.This year, conversations were recorded with translator Poonam Saxena, filmmaker Paromita Vohra, fashion journalist Shefalee Vasudev, Magsaysay 2025 winner and 2026 TIME Women of the Year Safeena Hussain, and Jhalak Prize founder and writer Sunny Singh. The seventh edition also featured a fireside conversation with crime writers and investigative reporters Hussain Zaidi and Velly Thevar, based on their book The Mafia Queens of India.The feedback has been tremendous across age groups. Younger audiences enjoyed the live, podcast-like format, while older audiences appreciated the short format with a deep dive into subjects not often discussed openly. This new element has been appreciated by authors and publishers alike, with many requesting to be featured in subsequent editions.Smita: The journey has truly been overwhelming. Each year, the response we receive has grown stronger and more encouraging. For me, the most meaningful milestone is that people now regard it as an impartial award and genuinely value its worth. It is also heartening to see writers from diverse regions being recognized, along with the participation of many new publishers, reflecting the expanding reach of the initiative. The number of entries has more than doubled over the years, reaffirming the growing trust and credibility of the award.Equally inspiring are the ‘Book Reading Sessions’ and ‘Conversations with the Authors’ held in schools and colleges. The enthusiastic response from students shows that young minds are embracing literature, engaging with authors, and discovering the joy of reading. This remains one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.Q. Do you believe initiatives like the AutHer Awards have helped expand the Indian book market and publishing industry, while also creating a unique space for women authors to thrive?Jaya: Absolutely! The buzz that the AutHer Awards creates within the industry has risen substantially in the past three years. This is apparent in the organic social media engagement by authors and publishers across longlists, shortlists, and winners, and even those associated with them.I have been getting inquiries regarding the awards all year round. Earlier, these would peak at the time of the event, but now the brand recall of ‘AutHer Awards’ has strengthened tremendously. It is now considered a significant event in the publishing calendar in Delhi and has created a strong space for women writers.Interestingly, male writers have also asked that the scope be expanded to include them. This may be linked to the shrinking space for prestigious literary awards in the country, with the JCB Prize for Literature and the Shakti Bhatt Prize folding. The AutHer Awards has gained a reputation for being fair, with strong academic rigour and a non-partisan review process.Smita: Absolutely. The AutHer Awards have transformed the Indian book market and publishing industry while creating a vital space for women authors to thrive. Its strength lies in a rigorous process where every book is read, screened, and judged with care.It celebrates merit by bringing new and emerging voices into the spotlight. Beyond the awards, ‘Book Reading Sessions’ and ‘Conversations with Authors’ in schools and colleges have drawn strong enthusiasm. Together, impartiality, recognition of women authors, diverse voices, and inspired youth define the spirit of the AutHer Awards.Q. When you’re faced with so many entries, what makes a book leap out at you and say, ‘this one’s special’?Jaya: I have been associated with the publishing industry since the early 1990s. Over the years, one develops a knack for recognising quality. Being a voracious and eclectic reader helps in being acquainted with a vast body of literature. There are many parameters at play, and it is impossible to provide a checklist. Ultimately, it is the quality of writing, illustrations (if any), narrative, and the layers they bring that matter.Smita: A special book is one that draws you in from the very beginning, where the writing feels honest and the narrative is compelling. It’s not just about the story, but how it is told. Clarity, originality, and emotional resonance play a big role. Books that stay with you even after reading are the ones that stand out.Q. Publishers play a pivotal role in shaping literary careers. How can they better nurture women writers?Jaya: Publishers are already promoting women writers through frontlists, backlists, translations, and new commissions. The AutHer Awards provide a well-defined platform for identifying, recognising, and lauding talent.Smita: Publishers can better nurture women writers by seeking diverse voices, providing strong editorial support, and creating sustained visibility and mentorship. Equitable marketing, distribution, and inclusive platforms can further support growth and recognition.Q. AI is everywhere now, even in writing. Do you think it can ever capture the heart and soul of a story the way a human author does?Jaya: Absolutely notSmita: No. AI cannot replicate the depth of lived human experience that gives stories their emotional core. While it may assist with structure, the heart and intuition of storytelling remain human.Q. Some authors are experimenting with AI tools. Is it a creative enabler or a risk?Jaya: AI tools may help with a grid lock or editing efficiency, but I am not in favour of using AI to create or edit literature. Writing and editing should be human, as AI tools depend on training data and are prone to errors.Smita: AI can act as a creative enabler when used thoughtfully, but overdependence risks diluting originality and voice.Q. Have any winners significantly changed the game in Indian literature?Jaya: It is too early to gauge the impact.Smita: Every winner brings a unique voice. The focus on merit and emerging voices makes the platform impactful and builds confidence in literary recognition.Q. Can readers distinguish between AI-generated and human-written narratives?Jaya: Mostly, yes. AI-generated text often has a flat tone or inconsistencies. Publishers are also using tools to ensure originality, and there are movements to label human-authored work.Smita: Readers can often sense the difference through emotional depth and nuance. This will likely push the industry to value authenticity even more.Q. How have the AutHer Awards influenced opportunities and visibility for women authors?Jaya: It is still early, but the awards are clearly on the radar and gaining recognition.Smita: The awards have enhanced visibility by bringing both established and emerging writers into focus, encouraging more women to write, publish, and be heard.Q. What do you hope the AutHer Awards will look like in the future?Jaya: In the same league as, if not overshadowing, major global literary prizes for women writers.Smita: I hope the awards continue to grow in scale and credibility, reach more writers across regions and languages, and strengthen their role in nurturing new voices while maintaining integrity and rigor.Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of JK Paper by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.