£50,000 Reader-Led Writing Prize launched | books

Publishing platform Libraro, in partnership with Hachette UK, has launched a new £50,000 writing prize that allows readers to choose a shortlist of manuscripts submitted – and rewards them with cash prizes for their participation.

The Liberaro Prize aims to “overcome the traditional barriers of the book industry,” according to organizers. Writers upload full manuscripts to the Libraro platform, where readers support their favorite entries to create a shortlist of six books.

It is open to adult and teen novels written in English, and is designed to give readers a role in discovering new writing talent.

The overall winner will receive a £50,000 prize package from Libraro – including £30,000 and an additional £20,000 towards marketing the final book – along with a book deal with Hachette UK. Two additional reader prizes worth £10,000 each will also be awarded: one to the reader who referred the winning author to the platform, and one to the reader who most actively engages in submissions.

Judges who choose the overall winner from a reader-generated shortlist include best-selling thriller author Ellie Griffiths; Deborah McLaren, CEO of book recommendations platform LoveReading; And blogger Zubs J Malik’s book. The award is run in partnership with Hachette UK and LoveReading, and is supported by organizations including Frontline Club, New Writing North and The Reading Agency.

David Roche, president of Libraro, said the award was created “to put power in the hands of writers and readers.” It was announced amid a broader boom in self-publishing, which in the last few years has seen several self-published authors achieve significant success, including Colleen Hoover and Frieda McFadden.

The Contest is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, worldwide, regardless of prior publication history or professional representation. Participants will have the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from readers, while shortlisted authors will be given professional support to help them package and format their manuscripts before they are assessed by judges.

McLaren said the award reflects a shared belief that “readers shape culture.” She added: “Through this competition, readers are not participating in just one prize, but are part of a broader publishing system,” which helps “expand the range and diversity of books that reach publication.”

Entries open on January 19 and close on February 15, with readers participating from February 19 to March 20. The shortlist will be announced on April 21, and the winner will be revealed on May 13.