Are you a writer who is ready to become a published author? Libraro have teamed up with Hachette UK to find the next fiction or crossover YA bestseller. Or are you a reader who want to help discover the next big writer?
The Libraro Prize 2026, in partnership with Hachette UK, reimagines how authors are discovered, by giving readers an active role in championing emerging talent. The winning entry will win a £50,000 package from Libraro and a book deal with a major international publisher – Hachette UK.
The value of the role that readers play is recognised with two Reader Prizes, The Libraro Reader Referral Prize and The Libraro Reader Engagement Prize worth £10,000 each where readers are incentivised to refer writers and engage with entries. Enter The Libraro Prize 2026 for FREE before the 16th of February for a chance to win.
Writers enter for FREE by 16th February for your chance to win! Find out more and submit your manuscript.
Readers discover more about community-driven platform connecting writers, readers and publishers in a secure, data-driven environment and sign up to read submissions.
About Libraro
Libraro is a community-driven platform connecting writers, readers and publishers in a secure, data-driven environment. Libraro’s patented IP protection allows writers to share their stories securely, and invites readers to champion new voices and influence what gets published. Through these insights, industry professionals will discover tomorrow’s bestsellers and minimise the risk of backing something new.
The Libraro Prize 2026 Publishing Partner: Hachette UK
Win a £50,000 package from Libraro and a book deal with a major international publisher – Hachette UK.
Libraro has teamed up with Hachette UK to find the next fiction or crossover YA bestseller!
Hachette UK’s mission is to make it easy for everyone to discover new worlds of ideas, learning, entertainment and opportunity. Hachette UK is the UK’s second largest publishing group with 10 autonomous divisions and over 50 imprints with a rich and diverse history. They are the market leader in e-books and publish a range of bestsellers in audio format. Hachette UK publishes thousands of new books across the group every year and their authors include Rebecca Yarros, Stephen King, Alice Oseman, John Grisham, Adam Kay, Val McDermid, David Nicholls, J.K. Rowling, Ian Rankin, and Malala Yousafzai. Hachette UK’s award-winning adult publishing divisions are Little, Brown, Orion, John Murray Press, Hodder & Stoughton, Headline, Bookouture and Octopus. Hachette Children’s Group publishes a diverse range of books for children of all ages and Hachette Learning is a market leader in high-quality educational materials and services.
Key Dates & Prizes for Writers & Readers
📖 Entries Open to Writers: 19 January 2026
📖 Writer Entries Close: 15 February 2026 (Midnight GMT)
📖 Reader Referral Prize Opens: 19 January 2026
📖 Reader Referral Prize Closes: 15 February 2026 (Midnight GMT)
📖 Reader Engagement Prize Opens: 19 February 2026
📖 Reader Engagement Prize Closes: 20 March 2026 (Midnight GMT)
📖 Shortlist Announced: 21 April 2026
📖 Winners Announced: 13 May 2026
The Libraro Prize 2026 (Writers)
19 Jan 2026 – 15 Feb 2026
The Libraro Prize 2026 is designed to discover the next bestselling fiction or crossover YA book, written in the English language. The Libraro Prize is open to entrants worldwide aged 18+. Terms and conditions apply. Enter before the 16th of February. Entries close Midnight 15 February. Find out more.
Reader Referral Prize
19 Jan 2026 – 15 Feb 2026
Do you know a writer who you think deserves to win The Libraro Prize 2026?
Remember, you can win £10,000 by referring a writer to enter the Libraro Prize 2026, by using the link provided within your account.
If the writer you invite goes on to win the publishing deal with Hachette UK, you will be eligible to receive the £10,000 Reader Referral Prize. Terms and conditions apply. Refer your writer before the 16th of February. Find out more.
Reader Engagement Prize
19 Feb 2026 – 20 Mar 2026
Are you a reader who champions writers and helps their stories shine? Or does your book club want to try something new by reading stories together at your next book club? You may win £10,000 by actively engaging with entries in the Libraro Prize 2026.
The Libraro Reader Engagement Prize will reward the reader who most actively engages with the Prize entries on the Libraro Platform and social media with £10,000. Terms and conditions apply. Start engaging from the 19th of February until 20th of March. Find out more.
Libraro & The Reading Agency
The partnership between The Reading Agency 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.
Get involved
What do you think of The Libraro Prize 2026? Will you enter for the prizes? Add your comments below!
Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, X and Instagram using #TheLibraroPrize and tagging @readingagency and @libraroio.
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