A revolutionary new literary award is set to shake up the publishing world by handing the power of discovery directly to book lovers. The Libraro Prize, launched in partnership with publishing giant Hachette UK, boasts a £50,000 prize package and a unique model where readers, not industry insiders, create the shortlist.
How the Reader-Led Prize Works
The competition aims to dismantle traditional barriers within the book industry. Aspiring authors from anywhere in the world, aged 18 and over, can submit full manuscripts of adult or crossover young adult fiction in English to the Libraro platform. There is no requirement for prior publishing experience or an agent.
From 19 February, the platform's community of readers will then read and champion their favourite entries, ultimately voting to produce a shortlist of six books. This process not only gives readers unprecedented influence but also provides writers with valuable, constructive feedback on their work.
Substantial Rewards for Writers and Readers Alike
The ultimate winner, selected from the reader-generated shortlist by a panel of expert judges, will receive a comprehensive prize. This includes a £30,000 cash award plus an additional £20,000 dedicated to marketing the published book, alongside a coveted publishing deal with Hachette UK.
In a further innovative twist, the prize also rewards passionate readers. Two separate £10,000 reader prizes will be awarded: one to the individual who referred the winning author to Libraro, and another to the reader who engages most actively with the submitted manuscripts throughout the process.
A Judging Panel of Literary Influencers
The final decision rests with a distinguished judging panel. This includes bestselling thriller author Elly Griffiths, Deborah Maclaren, the Chief Executive of the LoveReading book recommendation platform, and respected book blogger Zubs J Malik. The prize is supported by organisations such as The Reading Agency, New Writing North, and the Frontline Club.
David Roche, Chairman of Libraro, stated the prize was created to "put power in the hands of writers and readers." Deborah Maclaren of LoveReading added that it reflects a belief that "readers shape culture," helping to "expand the range and diversity of books that reach publication."
The launch comes during a significant boom in self-publishing, which has seen authors like Colleen Hoover achieve monumental success. The competition timeline is clearly defined: entries open on 19 January and close on 15 February. Reader engagement runs from 19 February to 20 March, with the shortlist announced on 21 April and the overall winner revealed on 13 May.
