Wales Book of the Year set for autumn

The Wales Book of the Year awards are to go ahead this year, following a review by administrator Literature Wales. It was commissioned in order to assess the best way of supporting the Wales Book of the Year, with the aim of identifying “new and sustainable” models which would enable the organisation to continue to run and develop the awards.

The review revealed “over-whelming support” for the awards among the public, partners and stakeholders, with participants arguing it was an “important fixture” in the literary landscape of Wales and a “showcase” for the industry. Contributions to the review from partners and stake-holders also showed a willingness to provide the organisation with further administrative and promotional support, and “clear enthusiasm” towards developing current partnerships, Literature Wales said.

Having assessed the findings, Literature Wales has confirmed it is in the process of planning Wales Book of the Year 2017, which will award the best books published in 2016 at an awards ceremony held in late autumn.

Lleucu Siencyn, chief executive of Literature Wales, said: “We are delighted that this review supports our belief that Wales Book of the Year is an important feature in Welsh literature, and an annual highlight for readers in Wales as well as for those involved in the literature industry. We look forward to bringing all our partners together to discuss how we can collectively develop Wales Book of the Year to ensure its success continues for years to come.”