PA announces new literary award and author lecture with Peter Frankopan

The Publishers Association has announced a new affiliated award programme for writers, as well as an author lecture with Professor Peter Frankopan.

The historian and writer will give the first Unwin Award Lecture, taking place on Tuesday 20th February at the Royal Institution in London. 

The literary award will launch later this year, with the first winner expected to be announced in early 2025. Its aim is to spotlight an up-and-coming author who is "making significant contributions to society". Further information will be announced at the lecture.

The lecture and award have been financial supported by the Unwin Charitable Trust, which has donated funds to the PA to support a multi-year programme of activity that "champions the value of publishing to the world".

Dan Conway, c.e.o. of the PA, said: “We are delighted that the generosity of the Unwin Charitable Trust has enabled us to establish this annual lecture and associated award programme. Our aim is to create a flagship industry event celebrating authorship, with both an annual lecture from a leading author and the creation of a brand new literary award for up-and-coming writers to support new voices and emerging talent.

"We are very excited that Peter will be delivering the first lecture, which will be about the value of publishing, and will be announcing further details about the award aspect at the event.”

The lecture is free to attend. Those interested can sign up here.