The 2026 Henrietta Branford Writing Competition, the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, is now open.
The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition, the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, is now open.
One of the most prestigious of UK children’s book prizes, the Branford Boase Award recognises a debut children’s author and their editor and was set up in memory of the outstanding children’s writer Henrietta Branford and the gifted editor, Wendy Boase, Editorial Director of Walker Books. They both died of cancer in 1999.
The competition aims to find and encourage writers of the future, something Henrietta was always keen to do.
Anyone under the age of 19 can enter.
This year’s competition theme is inspired by the book that won the Branford Boase Award in 2025, Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald.
The judges of the 2026 Henrietta Branford Writing Competition are asking for writing set in a place you know well or love, or writing about or inspired by someone you know very well. It could even be you!
We’re looking for writing that brings the place or person alive and that holds the judges’ attention too.
You may choose whatever you want to write from the following:
Think about how your writing will transport our judges to the place you are describing or make them feel they know the person you are writing about. Think about how you will keep them interested too.
In Margaret’s book, some of the dialogue is in Scots. We encourage you to use your own local dialect, how the people in your area speak, or your own way of speaking in your stories.
Margaret McDonald says: “Writing about the places you’ve seen and the people you know gives authenticity and authority to your words, and it can bring to life your own experiences. Your life and your world are important, unique, and worthy of being written about. Write what feels true to you, what instantly comes to mind, in the style of your own voice – whether that has its own dialect, its own vocabulary, its own style. It’s yours, and that is special.”
She also shares these three great writing tips:
Good luck!
The winners will receive signed copies of each of the books shortlisted for the 2026 Branford Boase Award.
Entries for the Henrietta Branford Writing Competition close at 9am (GMT), Friday 29th May 2026.
Full entry instructions, terms & conditions available here.
One of the most prestigious of UK children’s book prizes, the Branford Boase Award recognises a debut children’s author and their editors. It was set up in memory of children’s writer Henrietta Branford and her editor, Wendy Boase, Editorial Director of Walker Books. They both died of cancer in 1999.
Chairing the Award is Ruth Knowles, Publisher, Walker Books. The competition will be judged by the editorial team at Walker Books.
Ruth Knowles says:“We are so excited to read this year’s entries, especially because writing about a person or place you already know well allows you to play with detail that will truly bring them to life on the page. Have fun!”
Andrea Reece
30 Winton Avenue, London, N11 2AT
Tel: 0208 889 1292
Mob: 07807 893369
Email: branford.boase@gmail.com
Andrea Reece
Tel: 07807 893369 | Email: branford.boase@gmail.com
