Showbiz
Rex Features
The award was devised in 1996 to help promote the work of female authors.
Allen will join an all-female panel to help decide who will receive the £30,000 winner's cheque.
The singer has told the BBC that she is "a little daunted by the task" but was "extremely honoured" to be asked.
Previous winners of the award include Zadie Smith, Helen Dunmore and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The shortlist for the award will be announced in April.
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