PA launches £10k literary award at the inaugural Unwin Award Lecture with Peter Frankopan

The Publishers Association (PA) launched a new literary award for up-and-coming authors at the inaugural Unwin Award Lecture last night (20th February) with historian and author Peter Frankopan.

Perminder Mann, c.e.o. of Bonnier Books UK and vice-president of the PA and Nigel Newton, chief executive of Bloomsbury Publishing and officer of the PA, also gave speeches at the lecture, held at The Royal Institute of Great Britain. 

The "Unwin Award" will be awarded to an author deemed to have made a "fundamental contribution to how we see the world". The recipient will be judged on the overall body of their work, rather than one title, and will receive a £10,000 cash prize.

“The Unwin Award will reward those up-and-coming authors who show the bravery to pour their lives and souls onto the page and the talent to deliver the books that further the world we live in," Mann said. "It offers a chance to further amplify their voices and shine a spotlight on their invaluable contributions to society and our culture. I’m so looking forward to seeing the first nominations this summer, and getting lost in the life-changing pages of our future Unwin Award-winners.”

Nominations are expected to open over the summer, with the first winner being announced in early 2025. Further judging criteria will be announced in due course. The recently announced "Unwin Award Lecture" will run in tandem with the literary award, with the PA committing to the programme until 2030. 

This has been made possible following a donation from the Unwin Charitable Trust, aimed at supporting a multi-year programme of work in championing "the value of publishing to the world".

Dan Conway, c.e.o. of the PA said: “Books play such a huge role in society; they contribute to our mental health and happiness, teach us about new things and different cultures, and help us escape to faraway places when we need it most. It is so important to celebrate and spotlight the new voices who are using their talents to further the world we live in, and I can’t wait to open nominations and start the process. I know there will be great things to come.”

Creative industries minister Julia Lopez added: "For decades our publishing industry has showcased world-renowned British writers to the world, opening our minds to new perspectives and transporting us to other worlds. As a result, it has generated billions of pounds for the economy.

"We plan to build on that success, by supporting authors to maximise their true potential and grow the creative industries by £50bn by 2030."

Newton said: “I am excited that the Publishers Association are launching the Unwin Award for up-and-coming writers to shine a spotlight each year on a promising author at the start of their career when it might really help them.”