The Libraro Prize 2026

The Libraro Prize is a free-to-enter writing competition aimed at finding the next bestselling work of fiction or crossover YA that’s written in English. It’s organised by the literary discovery platform Libraro in partnership with Hachette UK and supported by several UK and international writing organisations.

The event is open to works that are written by a single human author worldwide, aged 18 or over at the time of entry. Submissions must be written and submitted in the English language. Submissions must be a full-length original work, wholly owned by the author or entrant (as applicable), and not AI-generated.

Who can enter:

• Writers aged 18 or over, worldwide.
• Work must be fiction or crossover YA in English.
• Unagented and previously unpublished authors are the core target, though terms are open to all eligible writers.

What you submit:

• A full manuscript (and sample chapters uploaded via the Libraro platform).
• Readers on the platform engage with entries — their activity helps shape the shortlist that goes to final judging.

The winning entry will win a £50,000 package from Libraro and a book deal with a major international publisher – Hachette UK. This is typically structured as a £30,000 advance plus £20,000 toward marketing of the published book.