The Branford Boase Award was set up in the memory of award-winning author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase. It rewards the most promising new authors and their editors, highlighting excellence in writing and publishing for children. The Award is made annually to the most promising book for children of seven and upward by a first-time novelist and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019.
The author may have published other books in another genre – for example, poetry or a picture book – but eligibility for the prize requires that this is their first novel for children. Publishers are required to check that all books submitted are first novels for children and should confirm that with the authors prior to submission.
Previous winners of the prize include Frances Hardinge and her editor Ruth Alltimes for Fly By Night, Muhammad Khan and editor Lucy Pearse for I Am Thunder and Maisie Chan and her editor Georgia Murray for Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths. The 2023 Award was won by Christine Pillainayagam and her editor Leah Thaxton of Faber for Ellie Pillai is Brown.
Eligible titles must be published between 1 January and 31 December 2023. The authors should live and work in the UK. The submission form and full criteria follow.
The Branford Boase Award is delivered in partnership with the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) and sponsored by Walker Books.
For Further Information Or Media Enquiries, Please Contact:
Andrea Reece, Administrator Branford Boase Award
E: Branford.boase@gmail.com
T: 020 8889 1292/ 07807893369