About the British Book Awards

The Awards aims to:

• Reward excellent writing, excellently published
• Spotlight the creativity, passion and power on display throughout the book industry
• Celebrate every step of the process of creating a book, from the author’s mind to booksellers’ shelves to readers’ hands
• Connect audiences through their love of reading
  
  

The British Book Awards is formed of two parts: Book of the Year and Book Trade Awards

The Books of the Year spotlight the titles that have stirred imaginations, started conversations, been part of book clubs and bestseller lists - books whose pages have been well-thumbed, well-worn and well-loved, whose ideas have formed that thread of inescapable connection between one reader and the next. The shortlists and winners all demonstrate the combination of unforgettable writing, exceptional sales, and an outstanding approach to publishing which make the book business the original creative sector, and the go-to home of storytelling.

The Trade Awards celebrate every step in the book creation chain, from independent bookshops, and regional small presses, to the industry’s largest players, from agents championing debut authors to marketers and publicists finding the most creative routes to readers. The book industry is an intricate and deeply collaborative ecosystem, and we are here to shine a light on every bit of it.

The Awards is a snapshot of the industry’s achievements and output, and reflects a business that is at the heart of many different conversations. It is committed to amplifying publishing talent from traditionally underrepresented communities, and ensures that this is upheld throughout the event and beyond. Publishers make books for everyone, and the Awards echoes their commitment to freedom of expression with texts that can challenge and inform, as well as entertain.

At its core, the Awards acknowledges the intimate connection between the books, their makers and their audience. And that is always something to celebrate.