Publishers Association launches new literary award for up-and-coming authors
The Publishers Association have today announced a new literary award for up-and-coming authors, who are deemed to have made a fundamental contribution to how we see the world. The recipient of the ‘The Unwin Award’, will be judged on the overall body of their work, rather than an associated title, and will receive a £10,000 cash prize.
Nominations are expected to open over the summer, with the first winner being announced in early 2025. Further judging criteria will be announced in due course.
The recently announced ‘Unwin Award Lecture’ will run in tandem with the literary award, with the Publishers Association committing to the programme until 2030. This was made possible following a donation from the Unwin Charitable Trust to support a multi-year programme of work in championing the value of publishing to the world.
Dan Conway, CEO of the Publishers Association said: “I am delighted to announce this new literary award, which I know will take pride of place in our event calendar moving forward. Books play such a huge role in society; they contribute to our mental health and happiness, teach us about new things and different cultures, and help us escape to faraway places when we need it most. It is so important to celebrate and spotlight the new voices who are using their talents to further the world we live in, and I can’t wait to open nominations and start the process. I know there will be great things to come.”
Creative Industries Minister Julia Lopez said: “For decades our publishing industry has showcased world-renowned British writers to the world, opening our minds to new perspectives and transporting us to other worlds. As a result it has generated billions of pounds for the economy.
“We plan to build on that success, by supporting authors to maximise their true potential and grow the creative industries by £50 billion by 2030.
“The Unwin Award will be a fantastic way to champion the next generation of promising new authors.”
Nigel Newton, Chief Executive of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and Officer of the Publishers Association said: “I am excited that the Publishers Association are launching the Unwin Award for up-and-coming writers to shine a spotlight each year on a promising author at the start of their career when it might really help them.”
Perminder Mann, CEO of Bonnier Books UK said: “Great books transport us – shaping their readers lives and forever altering the way we see the world around us. The Unwin Award will reward those up-and-coming authors who show the bravery to pour their lives and souls onto the page and the talent to deliver the books that further the world we live in. It offers a chance to further amplify their voices and shine a spotlight on their invaluable contributions to society and our culture. I’m so looking forward to seeing the first nominations this summer, and getting lost in the life-changing pages of our future Unwin Award-winners.”
The inaugural Unwin Award Lecture, was delivered by esteemed historian and author Peter Frankopan at The Royal Institute of Great Britain on 20th February.