Six debut novels are shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize 2026, with a Korean history epic and a forbidden romance among the entries, according to published reports. The Korean history title centers on women who are uprooted by Japanese colonialism, and it is described as a sweeping multi-character story. Alongside it, other debuts on the shortlist include works that span different genres and themes, reflecting a range of approaches to contemporary and historical fiction. The prize highlights first-time authors and is presented by Waterstones. The shortlisted books are set to compete for the prize, with the final winner to be announced after the shortlist period. The reports do not indicate any changes to the shortlist beyond the shared six novels referenced in the coverage. Overall, the nominations place particular attention on a debut that examines Korean women’s experiences during the colonial period, while also showcasing other writers’ distinct debut fiction narratives for readers and judges to consider.