Foyles to partner with Green Carnation Prize for third year

The Green Carnation Prize, an award recognising lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) writers, is partnering with Foyles for a third year. 

Foyles will be involved in supporting and promoting the shortlisted books and winning title in stores and online, as part of the partnership, and host the award ceremony at its flagship store in Spring 2017.

The prize, going into its seventh year, seeks books "as diverse as the community represents" and is now open for entries. Set up in 2010, its aim is to become "Britain's most prestigious literary prize representing the LGBT community". 

Maura Brickell, director of Maura PR & Communications joins the board, working alongside prize director Simon Savidge. 

Simon Heafield, head of marketing at Foyles said: “Foyles bookshops are places where readers can encounter a diverse range of stories and we are proud to be working with the The Green Carnation Prize to continue our support of its vital work in showcasing the wealth of writing talent in the LGBT community, and helping these voices to reach the widest audience possible. Recent events have shown that those who support an equal and diverse society cannot afford an ounce of complacency, and I'm proud that in working with the Green Carnation Prize we are able to uphold these ideals, which we hold dear."

Savidge, prize chair, said: “I am delighted that The Green Carnation Prize is returning, after a small break to catch its breath, for its seventh year both in partnership once more with Foyles and with Maura Brickell joining me at the helm. It seems in uncertain times that diverse voices from all over the world need to be heard just as much as ever before, sharing experiences and opening people's minds. I am delighted to be continuing the wonderful partnership with Foyles and getting these voices in the hands of the public through the power of the written word and books.” 

The prize was last year awarded to Marlon James’ A Brief History of Seven Killings (Oneworld) in what was the prize's highest volume of submissions to date in any year.

Judges for 2017's award will be announced next month.