The Libraro Prize 2026 Shortlist

From almost 2,000 entries, six authors have been shortlisted for this year’s prize, celebrating bold, original fiction with the potential to become a future bestseller.

Chosen with the support of Libraro’s community of 15,000+ readers and writers, it’s now over to our judges.

Chaired by internationally bestselling author Joanne Harris, the judging panel includes Elly Griffiths, Bobby Palmer, Deborah Maclaren, and Zubs J. Malik.

These six shortlisted books are now in the running for a £50,000 prize package from Libraro and a book deal with Hachette UK.

https://lpages.libraro.com/the-libraro-prize-2026-shortlist?hs_preview=xhbkGmSu-211376991134

The Last Canary by Ben Daniels
​https://app.libraro.com/manuscript/details/05715279-b6e9-4abf-a81b-cc5b073ce657/zOrIu1cxRpA4VOQe

Yours, Everlasting by Natalie Gordon
​https://app.libraro.com/manuscript/details/2c3afae7-3531-49dd-a0e1-efb6cad237f4/yours-everlasting-mI0rnIyvovvBqIQp

Sheep’s Clothing by Donna Fisher
​https://app.libraro.com/manuscript/details/f5ff6980-6633-4523-a6e3-b108ef826192/A3M4NeqZS7BpIyDt

Love Lost by Mary Minnock
​https://app.libraro.com/manuscript/details/88b2b162-8aec-4958-ae47-4db196c2831b/love-lost-EysCK576xcG3Unv

An Oath of Malice by B. Robinson
​https://app.libraro.com/manuscript/details/6cda0f68-47a2-443b-b6a6-076f300e7189/an-oath-of-malice-Lug2GfpHSKHHANAP

The Lost Zodiac by T.J. Windwood
​https://app.libraro.com/manuscript/details/56c9b69c-cb8f-421c-8ca4-054c4654fc90/the-lost-zodiac-air-of-truth-6Xu31kzZGuTQsNpI

A huge thank you to all of The Libraro Prize entrants and to our community of interactive readers. And good luck to the shortlisted authors.

New Writing North [https://newwritingnorth.com/] is the leading development agency for writing and reading in the North of England, supporting writers at every stage through programmes, prizes, events and talent development. Their work champions diverse voices and strengthens literary communities across the region. New Writing North’s support for Libraro reflects a shared commitment to discovery and opportunity – expanding routes for writers to be seen, supported and brought to new readers.

Pen to Print [pentoprint.org] is an Arts Council England Library National Portfolio Organisation. Based in east London it is dedicated to opening access to the literary arts with a focus on supporting emerging writers through workshops, mentoring, publications and the Write On! magazine. It supports new and emerging voices to develop craft, confidence and community. Their partnership with Libraro reflects a shared belief in widening opportunity – helping writers find pathways to readership and supporting stories that might otherwise go unheard.

Writers & Artists [www.writersandartists.co.uk] has remained the authoritative resource for practical publishing guidance and putting people in touch with the creative industries for over a century. They support writers and creatives to develop their craft, build industry understanding and demystify the publishing process. The partnership with Libraro reflects a shared commitment to knowledge and access; helping writers turn ambition into action and connect more directly with readers. Learn more: www.writersandartists.co.uk

The Reading Agency [www.readingagency.org.uk] is a UK charity that inspires social and personal change through the proven power of reading. They work with individuals of all ages, communities and trusted partners to share the transformative benefits of reading for happy, healthy and thriving lives. The partnership with Libraro reflects a shared belief in reading as participation, creating more opportunities for people to engage with books, discover new writers and shape a vibrant culture of reading. Learn more: www.readingagency.org.uk

The Frontline Club [https://www.frontlineclub.com/] is a London hub for journalism, storytelling and public debate, championing integrity and independence in reporting. Through talks, screenings and workshops, it brings together journalists, writers and thinkers committed to truthful, impactful narrative. Their partnership with Libraro reflects a shared belief in storytelling as a democratic force, opening space for new voices and human stories to be seen and heard. Learn: https://www.frontlineclub.com/

Books Go Social [https://booksgosocial.com/] is an international author community and discoverability platform supporting writers at every stage of their publishing journey. With deep roots in Ireland’s literary ecosystem, it connects thousands of authors with global reader networks through promotion and education. The convenor of the annual International Dublin Writers' Festival, its partnership with Libraro reflects a shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity and widening access without gatekeeping.

A literary organisation with humanitarian focus, Exiled Writers Ink [https://www.exiledwriters.co.uk/] provides a series of creative workshops, mentoring programmes, international live performance events and publications to enable and empower migrants and refugees while strengthening intercultural dialogue and advocating for social justice. The partnership with Libraro reflects a shared commitment to visibility and inclusion – creating more space for exiled and migrant writers to be read, recognised and supported. Learn more: https://www.exiledwriters.co.uk

Writing West Midlands [https://writingwestmidlands.org/] is the literature development agency for the West Midlands, supporting writers through workshops, mentoring, events and development programmes. Its work nurtures talent, strengthens regional literary culture and inspires young people through its Spark Young Writers groups. Writing West Midlands’ support for Libraro reflects a shared commitment to opportunity and readership – creating more routes for writers to develop, be discovered and reach engaged audiences.

NAWE (the National Association of Writers in Education) [https://www.nawe.co.uk/] is the UK’s professional body for creative writing, supporting writers, facilitators and educators through training, resources, events and advocacy. Its work strengthens teaching practice and expands access to creative writing in schools, universities and communities. The partnership with Libraro reflects a shared commitment to learning and opportunity: helping writers develop skills, confidence and routes to share their work more widely. Learn more: https://www.nawe.co.uk/

London Writers’ Salon is a global writing community offering daily writing sessions, workshops, interviews and peer support to writers at every level. Known for its welcoming, craft-focused approach, it helps writers build momentum, confidence and creative practice. The partnership with Libraro reflects a shared commitment to community and connection – creating more pathways for writers to grow, share work and reach engaged readers. Learn more: https://londonwriterssalon.com

Founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is Ireland’s leading resource and development organisation for writers. Our vision is to support the life of the writer as they illuminate our lives with their ideas and words. Situated in Dublin, the Irish Writers Centre carries out its work, online and in-person, on an all-island basis. We are delighted to partner with Libraro to advance our common goal of helping emerging writers to showcase their work on the world stage. Learn more: https://irishwriterscentre.ie/

Byte the Book [https://bytethebook.com/]is a membership organisation that connects authors with the publishing industry. We focus on helping our members build networks and navigate the contemporary publishing landscape. Byte the Book is proud to partner with Libraro; like them, we share a love of technology and are excited about the opportunities it offers authors to connect with publishers, readers, and each other. Learn more: https://bytethebook.com/

Books By People [https://booksbypeople.org/] is a new independent company that champions Organic Literature in an AI world. We work with publishing houses, supporting human writers so their work can continue to be found by readers who value organic stories. Membership means resources, support, ecosystem access, AI controls, and a Books By People stamp that shows commitment to producing human-authored books. We are delighted to partner with Libraro as another future-facing company aligned with our own mission to assist unique voices in finding their audience. Learn more: https://booksbypeople.org/

Got a story to tell, or love discovering new voices? Join Libraro now, for free.

​https://www.libraro.com/