Amsterdam-based writer Deepa Paul has been included on the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2026 Longlist for her memoir on opening up her marriage. 

Ask Me How It Works tells the story of her journey to non-monogamy, from her deeply Catholic upbringing to introducing her boyfriend to her husband. The Filipina-Indian author lives in Amsterdam with her husband and daughter. 

The book is “an exploration of body, sexuality, and desire told through responses to the questions asked about her open marriage,” according to the panel of judges and was included for its “open, tender writing.” 

The yearly award is given to the best non-fiction writing by a woman published in Britain. It is the sister prize to the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

This year’s judges include novelist Nina Stibbe, thriller author Nicola Williams and is chaired by Thangam Debbonaire, the chief executive of the UK Opera Association. 

Booker prize-winning novelist Arundhati Roy is also included on the longlist for her memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me and author Sarah Perry for her account of her father-in-law’s death by cancer. 

The non-fiction shortlist will be announced in March and the winners of both prizes will be revealed on June 11, 2026.