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Libraro and Hachette UK Launch Reader-Powered Book Prize with £50,000 Award
A new £50,000 writing prize, designed to give readers a central role in discovering new literary talent, has been launched by publishing platform Libraro in partnership with Hachette UK. The competition aims to disrupt conventional publishing routes and empower both writers and readers.
How the Prize Works
Writers submit full manuscripts to the Libraro platform. Readers than champion their favorite entries, ultimately creating a shortlist of six books.The overall winner receives a £50,000 prize package, including £30,000 cash and £20,000 towards marketing the finished book, along with a book deal with Hachette UK.
In a unique element, the prize also rewards readers. £10,000 will be awarded to the reader who referred the winning author to the platform, and another £10,000 will go to the reader who most actively engages with submissions.
Judging Panel and Partners
The final winner will be selected by a panel of judges including bestselling thriller author
Elly Griffiths; Deborah Maclaren, chief executive of book recommendation platform
LoveReading; and book blogger
Zubs J Malik. The prize is a collaboration between Libraro and Hachette UK, with support from organizations such as the Frontline Club, New Writing North, and The Reading Agency.
A Shift in Publishing Power
David Roche, chairman of Libraro, stated the prize is intended to “put power in the hands of writers and readers.”
Worth a look