That’s all folks! – 10.45
We did it everyone, we made it to the end of the night, all the awards were given out, and many bottles of champagne were drunk. Now it’s time for a party to celebrate all the winners!
Thanks so much for joining us, and the full list of all the winners can be read above.
With reporting from Melina Spanoudi, Lauren Brown, Bella Green, Daisy Game, Scarlett Clarke, Athene Moody, and Maia Snow.
Overall Book of the Year goes to Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre – 10:40
It’s the final award of the night, and another win for Doubleday, with the biggest book award going to Nobody’s Girl. For the judges, Giuffre’s memoir was a “testament to the importance of serious non-fiction”.
One judge said: “I am a better person for having read this book.” Doubleday set the “gold standard” for how to publish “bravely” and with “integrity”. With only six weeks to create a campaign, “the team did an incredible job at honouring Giuffre’s memory, her story and her words”.
Kim Young, Transworld MD, said: “This is for Virginia Roberts, for her courage. Thank you. Her courage and resilience inspired us all. And the way this book continues to challenge those in power shows the power we have as publishers.
“We’re so sad that Virginia isn’t here to bear witness to what her book has achieved. And I’m really proud to work for Penguin Random House, which supports those who don’t have a voice and those who have been silenced. The thank yous belong to a team of inspiring women who stand here on the stage with me.
“First, Amy Wallace, Virginia’s collaborator who is not only who has not only stood alongside Virginia in the writing of the book, but then stood by us, the team at Transworld, who, when they read Virginia’s words, could not rest until we found a way to publish.”
Publisher of the Year awarded to Hachette’s Little, Brown – 10:35
And now it’s time for the big one – Publisher of the Year. This year this goes to Little, Brown, a division of Hachette UK. Fiction dominated, with Rebecca Yarros providing three of the year’s top 20 books and Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid ranked third overall. SFF list Orbit delivered 11 of the Sunday Times hits.
“Little, Brown is firing on all cylinders… it’s hard to fault them,” agreed the judges. “They had an exceptional year on both the top and bottom lines. They’ve grown despite the odds, served major, market-defining authors, and delivered both commercial and prize success.”
“I don’t believe it,” said CEO Charlie King as he took to the stage. “I’ve got a crumpled bit of paper. Excuse me. This is amazing.” King thanked the judges for recognising Little, Brown’s work, adding: “This industry is an endlessly supportive, inspiring place to be, and I hope everyone will carry on striving to make it as inclusive and accessible as possible for future generations.
“At Hachette, we’re really proud of our Raising Readers program and thrilled to be working with you all – that’s all of you – on the National Year of Reading, which we hope will create lasting change. Of course, there would be no National Year of Reading, no reading full stop, without authors. So this award is for Little, Brown’s authors, every single one of them. We are lucky to have two authors with us tonight in Ana Huang and Sir Tony Robinson, which is a real pleasure.”
Children’s Publisher of the Year awarded to Scholastic – 10:30
It’s been an unstoppable year for Scholastic as they’ve taken home yet another award, this time for Children’s Publisher of the Year. While many children’s publishers were treading water in 2025, Scholastic was powering forward, with sales rocketing 30% in the TCM. “Such growth in a tricky market is an extraordinary feat,” said the judges.
“Finally the odds are in our favour,” the Scholastic team joked. “Dav Pilkey is amazing and was at Waterstones yesterday. He drew on the wall with permission and he drew Read What You Love, just perfect. And in order to do that, we need brilliant people to inspire kids to find what they love. So thank you to those who take a chance on something new and find just the right book for them. We are so lucky to work with the rock stars of our world.
“We know in publishing there is nothing like the hive mind. My special thanks goes to the utterly brilliant hivemind at Scholastic, who approach conversations about dogs, cats, doodles, squirrels, murder, capybaras, arenas, penguins and poo with exactly the same level of intensity that the McLaren Formula One team would do. Or Mikel Arteta at his Arsenal team talk – come on you Gunners!”
Independent Publisher of the Year named as Pushkin Press – 10:25
Pushkin Press has taken home the award for Independent Publisher of the Year. Under MD Adam Freudenheim, Pushkin punched way above its weight. While most trade publishers struggled for growth, it nearly doubled its sales through the TCM.
Publishing director Laura Macaulay accepted the award on the behalf of the team. She said: “Really, Adam Freudenheim, our founder and managing director, should be on the stage accepting this award. It’s really his vision and leadership, that’s why we’re here.We’ve had a big year, a massive year, but it’s not come out of the blue. It’s the result of years of dedication from an outstanding team. It’s the unwavering belief in that team trusting their instincts, instincts and their creative passions.
“We truly believe in the books we publish. We believe in the power of a cacophony of voices speaking across borders. We believe in art, and we do what we do with love, and it’s a daily thrill to be part of that.
Book Retailer of the Year named as Waterstones – 10:23
For the second year running, Waterstones has been named as Book Retailer of the Year. In another challenging year for high streets and bookselling, Waterstones bucked the trend by growing the volume as well as value of its sales. “While Waterstones is a chain, it makes every branch feel like an independent bookseller,” the judges said. “The passion for books shines through.”
They said on picking up the retailer’s Nibbie: “We are incredibly proud of our 3,000 booksellers, whose champion books to readers up and down the land. The importance of physical books and human connection has never been more apparent. We’re enormously grateful for support from across the industry, from so many people in this room and beyond.”
Designer of the Year awarded to Luke Bird – 10:20
This year’s Designer of the Year has been named as freelancer Luke Bird, after being shortlisted in five of the six years this award has run. Bird’s work is driven by a less-is-more approach that strips out clutter in favour of bold and striking images, accompanied by distinctive fonts, which this year included the covers for Uketsu. “The man’s a genius,” the judges said. “He delivers some really inventive stuff and knock-out covers, and the ones for Uketsu were core to their success.”
Bird thanked Canongate Books, “who first took a chance on me straight out of art school and helped shape my work so profoundly,” adding: “Give your designer the freedom and space to challenge convention and bring bold, original ideas to the table. They bring not only a talent for design, but also a deep understanding of the market and a sensitivity to the story and voice of the book they’ve been entrusted with. We must continue to embrace covers and designs that are as daring and dynamic as the stories they represent.”
Editor & Imprint of the Year awarded to Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, led by Yasmin Morrissey – 10:16
For the first time, Editor and Imprint of the Year has been combined into one award, and this year has been awarded to Yasmin Morrissey, editorial director of Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. Morrissey’s division had a best-ever year. “Yasmin seems to have indefatigable energy for all parts of publishing… she’s a savvy editor who is beloved by authors,” said the judges. “She’s collaborative, creative, focused, strategic and passionate about championing inclusive books, storylines and characters… and the best is yet to come.
Morrissey took to the stage to accept her award, donning MC Grammar’s sunglasses and cap – “he promised me shots” – and said: “I did not expect to win, but I promised MC Grammar that if I did, I would put these on. And now that I am up here, this is my Oscars moment. It feels really special to win this award in the first year of the editor and imprint category. But it’s even more special to win it as children and young adult editor for National Year of Reading.
“I work with some of the most innovative, passionate, ambitious, brilliant people. We are like this mad, dysfunctional family who are making books that we think kids really want to read. And I think we’re achieving that. “The last thing that I wanted to say is that publishing remains, sadly, still, quite a closed industry, in the staff that we hire and the books that we publish. When I began my career in publishing, I didn’t fit the traditional editorial publishing mode – and I’ve been told that on several occasions in my career, when I was offered my first editorial assistant role, it was because someone saw something different in me and they were willing to take the chance.”
Literary Agent of the Year goes to Rachel Mills of Rachel Mills Literary – 10:13
Rachel Mills, of her eponymous agency, has been named as Literary Agent of the Year for 2026. Mills had her best ever year in 2025, and the judges said: “Rachel is a powerhouse. Her client list and achievements are so impressive, and she’s got exceptional market-shaping ability. The creative collaboration with her authors is skilful and strategic, and it delivered phenomenal results in 2025.”
“This is very surreal,” Mills said. “It really feels like only yesterday that I was sitting at my kitchen table with a certificate from Companies House and a dream, and this really belongs to everyone who supported me and our small agency over the last seven years.”
Rights Professional of the Year is awarded to Anna Shora of Pan Macmillan – 10:11
This year’s Rights Professional of the Year is Anna Shora, head of rights of Pan Mac’s adult division. Shora was at the heart of Pan Mac’s biggest achievements in 2025, leading her team of four to growth of a third in translation sales. Shora’s numbers and testimonials impressed the judges. “Anna’s at the top of her game and has posted some remarkable results,” the team said. “There’s innovation and great selling, and she’s a vital strategic partner to editors.” A delighted Shora thanked the Pan Mac rights and editorial teams, alongside the authors and agents she represents around the world: “This is entirely a collective achievement. Everything we do is a team effort, and I’m so proud to be part of such a brilliant and collaborative group,” she said.
The British Book Award for Export goes to HarperCollins UK – 10:08
The first award as we recognise those behind the scenes in publishing goes to HarperCollins UK for Export. Having doubled its sales in the past five years, HarperCollins’ 17-strong team was firing on all cylinders. In a year when TCM sales dropped in the UK, exports were the fuel that kept the publisher growing. “HarperCollins’ relentless export efforts are paying great dividends,” said the judges.
Receiving the award, he team said: “I think we’re the luckiest people to work in export, and not just because we get the trips, but, because in a world that seems ever more divided, we get to be part of something that connects people across the countries and across the world.”
Children’s Bookseller of the Year awarded Griffin Books – 10:05
This year’s Children’s Bookseller of the Year is awarded to Griffin Books of Penarth, Wales. The shop doubled its footprint in the last year, taking a risk in the current climate. “Griffin took a risk in expanding but it’s paid off,” said the judges. “Its ambition, performance and commitment are extremely impressive.”
Accepting the award, they said: “Wow. You can tell we weren’t quite expecting that. This time last year, we were a very small bookshop with a tiny children’s end of the bookshop, but we had the amazing opportunity to expand and create a dedicated children’s and teenage section. I want to pay tribute to the people who’ve really made that happen.”
Small Press of the Year goes to And Other Stories – 10:01
This year’s Small Press of the Year is awarded to Sheffield-based And Other Stories. In 2025, revenue was the highest in its history and judges said: “It was a brilliant year for And Other Stories. Their publishing is distinctive and valuable. Beyond the prizes, the most impressive thing is the hard-wired commitment to diversity with real, quantifiable and trackable pledges.”
On accepting the award, Stefan Tobler, And Other Stories founder and publisher, said: “I think I need a cigarette. 15 years of publishing, it’s still feels a bit like a dream and an illusion. So it’s really wonderful to have this notice. So thank you.”
Individual Bookseller of the Year awarded to founder of BookBar Chrissy Ryan – 9:58
This year’s Individual Bookseller of the Year has been awarded to the founder of BookBar, Chrissy Ryan. BookBar, which has turned a bookshop into a more social space, opened its second location in Chelsea in London in 2025, and has grown in popularity since. With her BookBar concept, Chrissy Ryan has hit on a unique and compelling formula that is reimagining what bookshops can do for people.
In a pre-recorded acceptance video, Ryan said: “Wow, I know what I would have done if I had been there on the night, and that is burst into tears and not be able to speak.”
Library of the Year is won by Oxgangs Library in Edinburgh – 9:54
It’s another win for Scotland, as Library of the Year has been awarded to Oxgangs Library in Edinburgh. In the last quarter of 2025, Edinburgh’s Oxgangs and Mobile Library teamed up with Saughton Library at HMP Edinburgh to run a Secret Santa-style programme that brought giftwrapped books to individuals in custody. “Prison libraries’ activity isn’t necessarily seen but it’s hugely impactful,” said the judges. “This was a really innovative programme to combat loneliness and exclusion and promote wellbeing through books.”
“Libraries are really under threat right now, and it feels really wonderful to be up here representing them,” said the City of Edinburgh Council team on accepting the award, thanking Oxgangs, Mobile Libraries and the prisoners who took part in the rehabilitation project.
Publicity Campaign of the Year goes to Doubleday for Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre – 9:50
It’s another win for Doubleday with Nobody’s Girl, for which they’ve taken home the award for Publicity Campaign of the Year. Doubleday compiled a campaign with total integrity that prioritised respectful media coverage over big splashes. They dealt calmly with a tight
turnaround, embargoes and leaks, and steered Nobody’s Girl to the top of the news agenda.
Publicists Alison Barrow and Izzie Ghaffari-Parker accepted the award, with Ghaffari-Parker saying: “It’s an honour to stand here beside Alison and in front of you. All throughout this campaign, we wanted to ensure that Virginia’s voice and story remained at the centre of all we did.”
Barrow added: “Virginia’s words remain candid, fearless and alive. She did more than tell her story. She turned pain into purpose and opened the door to change for Izzy and me. In receiving this award for shepherding her words carefully onto the media landscape, we stand for Virginia and we continue to do so.”
Marketing Strategy of the Year awarded to Scholastic for Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – 9:46
Scholastic don’t need an arena to win, as they’ve taken home yet another gong for Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping, this time for Marketing Strategy of the Year. “Publishing at full power” was how the judges described Scholastic’s work on Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping.
The Scholastic team said: “Marketing awards are never, ever won in a vacuum, and we have to say a huge thank you to Suzanne Collins for absolutely sublime writing that connected so many readers with this book. This is the icing on the cake of all the work that went in from production design, editorial sales. and it feels really, really special to celebrate it with all of you tonight. Thank you.”
Independent Bookshop of the Year goes to Book Lovers Bookshop, Edinburgh – 9:41
This year’s award goes to Edinburgh’s Book Lovers Bookshop, who also take home a £5,000 prize from sponsor Gardners. Crowdfunded and not yet two years old, it is the UK’s first bricks-and-mortar romance store and has gone down a storm. “It feels inclusive, welcoming and joyful,” said one. The British Book Awards judges agreed. “Book Lovers Bookshop is such an affecting story. It has a very clear focus, ambition and identity and has quickly made its mark.”
In a tearful acceptance speech founder Caden Armstrong said: “We only opened a year and a half ago, and when I opened the shop I did it because I wanted to create a space for romance books, readers and authors to be celebrated. I never imagined we would end up here.”
On presenting the award, Peter James, author of the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace novels (Pan), said: “I honestly do not think I will be standing here tonight were it not for independent bookshops when I was first published back in 1981. It was the enthusiasm of independent booksellers handselling my books to readers. It helped me get my foot onto the very first rung of the ladder, for which I will forever be grateful.”
Nine indie bookshops across the UK were named regional and country winners last month.
Award-winning Welsh novelist Caryl Lewis talks about the value of books – 9.35
Welsh novelist Caryl Lewis (Drift; Doubleday) welcomes attendees back to the auditorium by talking about the value of literature. Lewis said: “Books are the marker of a vibrant, thinking society, a society which values knowledge and which questions everything.
“With so many books being banned around the world, and the onslaught of social media and its attempts to drive wedges between us, maybe we should mention how [books] are the light in the darkness. Each book on the shelf is a constant reminder of our common humanity rather than the things that divide us.”
We’re back! – 9:30
Everyone is (hopefully) contentedly full after dinner and we’re back for part two of the awards, now focusing on the trade awards and the contribution of all those behind the scenes.
Stay tuned for all the winners!
The British Book Award for Freedom to Publish has been jointly awarded to Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams and Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre – 8:20
This year’s freedom to publish award has been given to two books which have made a huge impact, in the face of legal and personal challenges – Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams and Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre.
Their stories may be different, but they represent the best of publishing, and the best of what the book trade can do to support silenced voices. Jones said: “These stories, told by silenced voices, represent the best of the book trade. The Freedom to Publish Award acts as our response to those who would silence the truth and this year recognises the bravest of people, Virginia Roberts Giuffre and Sarah Wynn-Williams.”
The presenters stated: “A book is always a conversation between reader and author, across time, across space […] Ensuring that a story gets out is what we are here to celebrate.These authors fought incredibly hard for their stories to be heard.”
Sarah Wynn-Williams gave the acceptance speech for Nobody’s Girl, unable to speak about her own book, receiving a standing ovation.
Illustrator of the Year is awarded to Dav Pilkey – 8:13
This year’s illustrator of the year is Dav Pilkey, the graphic novelist behind Dog Man. Last year was a landmark 12 months for graphic novelist Pilkey, who has been delighting children and adults alike for nearly four decades with his inimitable Dog Man and Captain Underpants series. As a neurodiverse creator, Pilkey fosters inclusivity and has proudly made ADHD and dyslexia his superpowers.
Pilkey said: “Thank you to The British Book Awards. Fifty years ago, I was diagnosed with dyslexia – and reading was such a challenge for me. It was so hard that I grew up hating books. Fortunately, I had a mom who took me to libraries, and I then grew up to be a lifelong reader. She changed everything for me.”
The coveted Author of the Year award goes to AF Steadman – 8:10
This year’s author of the year has been named as Skandar author AF Steadman. Four Skandar books were released last year, with the final instalment in the series, Skandar and the Spirit War, clinching the author her second number-one children’s bestseller spot. She also enjoyed a 60% growth in year-on-year sales across every format.
But being Author of the Year is not only about outstanding commercial performance. Her publication timeline was beaten only by her event schedule. Across 55 events – including a superfan celebration, six festival appearances and over 22 school visits – Steadman reached more than 13,000 children.
Presented by Loraine Kelly, she said: “I just wanted to thank every single one of you… everybody’s been so welcoming. I wouldn’t have had my eyes opened to the world if I hadn’t been able to go to the library.”
Steadman said: “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe this. Thank you so much to the judges for this, and choosing an author who writes for children. As we all know, encouraging children to read from a young age improves their life chances. This award feels so meaningful during the National Year of Reading.”
Inaugural Radio 2 Book Club Award awarded to Nesting by Roisin O’Donnell – 8:00
This year also marks the first collaboration between Radio 2 and the Nibbies, which sees the Radio 2 Book Club Award won by Nesting by Roisin O’Donnell. The shortlist was chosen by librarians from across the UK and selected from the 2025 Radio 2 Book Club choices.
Jeremy Vine, standing in for Sara Cox as presenter of the award, said: “We celebrate great fiction every week on the Radio 2 podcast […] Librarians across the country picked our shortlist and winners tonight.”
O’Donnell said: “I really didn’t think I would win – can you believe it, it’s actually my birthday today! Thank you everybody for coming to my birthday party. Thank you Radio 2. Thank you to my editor and Scribner UK, and to my agent. I think my mum and dad are watching back in Ireland. It means so much to me that this was chosen by librarians. If it wasn’t for librarians, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
Book of the Year Audiobook Non-Fiction goes to Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams 7:55
The winner of this year’s Audiobook Non-Fiction Prize goes to Careless People, which was also awarded the Speakie last year for Non-Fiction Memoir. The judges described the book as an “astonishing”, “important” and “terrific” memoir, who called the audio edition “supremely entertaining”. Macmillan Audio, in a savvy and “incredible” move, pivoted to centre its campaign around one powerful line: “Meta wants to silence her voice. You can hear her words.”
Helen Thorne, presenting this award, said: “Audiobooks are the fastest growing format… Having authors read their own stories is a delight. You can have an audiobook absolutely anywhere, so they are a wonderful thing.”
Her editor Mike Harpley said: “Despite the CEO who publicly champions free speech, the company has sought to prevent her from promoting her vitally important book. She is prevented from saying anything critical of Meta, in public, or even in private to her family. These restrictions mean she must constantly police her own life, facing life-changing fines for any breach. In a new development, the company now argues she can’t even be in the vicinity of Careless People or its depiction, meaning her book’s cover cannot be displayed here tonight.”
He added: “While we cannot hear from her now, Sarah’s voice has reached the world through this audiobook.”
Book of the Year Fiction goes to The Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory 7:53
Philippa Gregory’s latest novel, which sees her return to the Tudors, takes home the prize for Fiction this year. The novel offered a “strong” commentary on power in an “important” act of
revision, the panel agreed. An “absolute belter of a book”, “fresh” and “compulsive”, said the judges. They agreed that HarperFiction launched an “impressive” and “energetic”
campaign that made Gregory and Boleyn Traitor unmissable.
Gregory joked: “I didn’t prepare a speech because I was sure I wouldn’t win! I cannot tell you how many dinners I have eaten in this room, pretending to be glad for the rest of you.”
Book of the Year Non-Fiction: Narrative goes to Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre 7:49
This year’s Non-Fiction Narrative award is awarded posthumously to Virginia Roberts Giuffre for her memoir. The judges called it a “courageous”, “completely devastating” and “essential” read, and a memoir of “totemic power”. Nobody’s Girl “will stay in my bones”, one judge said. Another predicted that it would “change the world”.
In a pre-recorded speech, Amy Wallace, the writer who collaborated with Giuffre on the book, said: “It was the honour of my career, and it is my honour to be talking to you right now, thanking you for recognising her brave and powerful book. She always wanted this book to reach as many people as possible, and she particularly wanted it to help other survivors of sexual abuse, not just those who suffered at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislane Maxwell. She’s clearly done that […] It’s recognition like this that really keeps her story in front of readers and also validates her story.”
Lucy Watson presented this award, saying: “It was some category. Not really a shortlist, but an emotional workout for me. These books are proof that truth can be stranger and more gripping than fiction.”
The British Book Award for excellence in Romantic Fiction goes to Sophie Kinsella, Dame Jilly Cooper, Joanna Trollope – 7:45
This year, a special award is being given posthumously to three trailblazers of romantic fiction, who sadly died last year – Sophie Kinsella, Dame Jilly Cooper, Joanna Trollope. The award recognises the impact the three authors had on the genre, the industry and their lasting legacy.
The award was introduced by author of Welcome to Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop of Dreams Jenny Colgan, who mourned the loss of “funny, glorious, raunchy Cooper”,” wonderful, delicate gimlet eye and elegant” Trollope, and “great writer and great individual” Madeleine Wickham, aka Sophie Kinsella.
Colgan said: “The Nibbies has finally got around to giving out the Romantic Fiction Award! […] We recently lost some of our greatest women’s commercial fiction writers of our time.”
The families of Cooper, Trollope and Kinsella took to the stage to accept the awards.
Book of the Year Romantic Fiction is awarded to Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry – 7:35
The inaugural Romantic Fiction award has this year gone to Emily Henry for her latest novel Great Big Beautiful Life. Henry is the “romance writer of her time”, said one judge; she is “the future of the genre”, added another. The judges added that with each book Viking has cemented her brand and asserted the market strength of the genre.
Book of the Year Discover is won by The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson – 7:26
The judges described Hutchinson’s book as an “extraordinary piece of writing”, said one judge; another called it “riveting”, while a third declared Hutchinson “an electrifying voice”. The panel particularly enjoyed the book’s depiction of the second-generation migrant and northern experience, which was sure to “resonate with so many people”.
The presenter Matt King said: “It was a joy to be a judge on this panel for a variety of minority authors.”
Hutchinson said: “The Mercy Step was over a decade in the writing… I want to thank my amazing agent. I sent her a few chapters of this and she said: ‘This is the one.’”
She said she received 54 rejections before the book was acquired by Cassava Republic, a black-owned publishing company. She also thanked her PR team.
Book of the Year Children’s Fiction goes to Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – 7:21
The odds were in the favour of Scholastic mega-hit Sunrise on the Reaping which saw Collins return to the world of The Hunger Games once again. The novel, which focuses on fan-favourite Haymitch Abernathy, was called a “powerful” and “tremendous” read. The judges agreed that the story was very much “of the moment”, with its sharp commentary on propaganda and totalitarianism.
Lauren Fortune, Collins’ publisher, accepted the award: “What a joy for us to publish, and what a reading experience for all of the fans. Watching this book connect with passionate readers was nothing short of thrilling.”
Collins said: “I would like to thank everyone from the British Book Awards for this honour […] Thank you for re affirming human stories, particularly for young and young adults”
Book of the Year Children’s Non-Fiction & Illustrated goes to Oh Dear, Look What I Got by Michael Rosen – 7:20
Beloved children’s author Michael Rosen, along with illustrator Helen Oxenbury, took home this year’s award for Rosen’s latest book. The judges described it as a “timeless” book “made to be the next classic”. The winner of this combined category was called a “masterwork” of “undeniable artistry”.
In this category, AJ Wood’s The Wizard’s Guide to Magical Experiments was also highly commended.
The presenter said: “I want to ask you, we need to start becoming sensitised again. We need to help kids.”
Rosen thanked his illustrator and publicist.
Book of the Year Non-Fiction: Lifestyle & Illustrated goes to Forgotten Churches by Luke Sherlock – 7:15pm
Sherlock’s debut Forgotten Churches, a gentle exploration of these buildings, their history and the communities around them, triumphed in this year’s category for its “brilliance” and “charm”. The judges applauded his “whistlestop tour” around some of England’s best ecclesiastical buildings and the partnership with illustrator Ioana Pioaru.
Sherlock said: “The first thanks must go to my parents… they dragged me round numerous churchyards as a child! Finally, thank you so much to the illustrator of this book and any applause should be for her.”
Book of the Year Audiobook Fiction is taken home by Oyinkan Braithwaite’s Cursed Daughters – 7:10pm
The judges were blown away by the “authenticity” and “richness” of the audio edition of Cursed Daughters, hailing the narrators for creating a listening experience that felt deeply human. “I’ve not heard an audiobook like this before,” said one judge.
Vick Hope who introduced the award, said: “The national year of reading is about making reading accessible to all. This year’s shortlist exemplifies this.”
Braithwaite said: “I’ve always felt really supported and held up by this industry.”
She also thanked her agent and narrators.
Book of the Year Debut Fiction goes to The Names by Florence Knapp – 7:06pm
On this year’s winner, the judges said that it was impossible “to ignore the power of what the publisher Phoenix did with The Names”. It was a winning match; Knapp’s “intelligent, perceptive
writing” that asked “serious, deep questions about identity”, paired with Phoenix’s “phenomenal” campaign, resulted in “jaw-dropping” sale.
In a pre-recorded video, Knapp said: “I wanted to send a huge thank you to The British Book Awards, to the booksellers and fellow authors who’ve been so generous in lending their support to my book, it means a lot.”
Book of the Year Crime & Thriller is won by A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith – 7:03pm
This year’s Books of the Year Crime & Thriller goes to A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith, the first book in a series starring the reluctant sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC. The judges called it an “exquisitely written” murder mystery and was singled out by the judges as a “standout in this category”.
Smith said: “I’ve just discovered what imposter syndrome is […] I want to thank all the people at Bloomsbury for turning an amateur dream into a real book.”
Book of the Year Science Fiction & Fantasy is won by Alchemised by SenLinYu – 7.00pm
The first ever SFF award at the Nibbies has been won by SenLinYu for Alchemised. The judges said: “What Sen has accomplished in this one book is phenomenal,” while another called it “s true feat of the imagination, adding that it was “deeply moving, haunting and gripping”.
In a pre-recorded video, SenLinYu said: “I was so thrilled and honoured to be shortlisted for this award and I am speechless to have actually won it. Thank you so much to my incredible UK team…and also thank you to all of the booksellers who played the vital role of helping Alchemised find its readers. I am so grateful to all of you.”
Book of the Year Graphic Novel goes to Bunny vs Monkey: Intergalactic Monkey Business by Jamie Smart – 6.55pm
Jamie Smart takes home the inaugural Graphic Novel award, which the judges called “beautiful” and saluted Smart’s unique ability to distill chaos into a meaningful and fun story. “Smart is a gorgeous illustrator,” said one judge; “Extraordinary,” said another.
Smart dedicated this award to the other shortlistees. He said: “To all the booksellers and librarians encouraging people to read kids books, to all the independent publishers, small presses, and comic authors themselves.”
Winners are ready to be announced – 6.50pm
And we’re off! An unforgettable opening performance has been enjoyed, the starters have been eaten, and now the anticipation is high for the first winners of the night to be revealed.
In the first half of the night, the book awards will be given out, while the second half will focus on the trade winners, with the Overall Book of the Year announced at the end of the evening.
Stay tuned…
Tonight’s host Steph McGovern is kicking of proceedings – 6.45pm
Jones has welcomed tonight’s host onto the stage, Steph McGovern, who will be welcoming award presenters onto the stage as well as giving out a number herself.
She has gently reminded winners to keep their speeches to a maximum of 30 seconds, otherwise we’ll be here all night, adding: “And that really is 30 seconds, not a publishing-industry 30 seconds! Short, sweet, heartfelt… and then we move on so everyone gets their moment.”
After welcoming the return of Alan Dedicoat as this year’s announcer, BSL Interpreters Jenny and Laurence, and music from The Stereo Twins, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller, welcomes guests – 6.40pm
Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller, has taken to the stage to welcome nominees and guests to the awards in a book-pun-filled speech.
He said: “Now our last rites have been written many times before: but we are not tenants, raised by wolves, we are all in. And 2025 was fundamentally a great big beautiful life, an almost perfect summer, leading to an other Christmas we should feel entitled to always remember. We were not cursed. And if any of you made an impossible fortune, please see me afterwards.”
He saluted all the books on this year’s shortlist, as well as those who we lost in the last year, and those who could not speak up.
He concluded: “This is a business that alchemised your words, activated the dust from which the books were made and created a language of dragons, a deep magic, beyond science. A rose garden. I – we – thank you. Your names are not forgotten. This is your moment, your time, your age.”
Michael Rosen and MC Grammar entertain guests – 6.35pm
The duo have taken to the stage to give a performance ahead of their upcoming collaboration Ridiculous Raps and Rhymes (Simon & Schuster).
Everyone is finally seated and ready for some awards – 6.10pm
Attendees have taken their seats and are enjoying their starters, while they wait for the first awards of the night to take place. The hosts will be arriving at 6.30pm to give their speeches and kick the awards off in style.
Stay with us for all the latest updates! A reminder, you can also watch the event live on The Bookseller Instagram page from 6.30pm, as well as live on the website.
Guests are being called to take their seats – 5.50pm
The drinks have been enjoyed, and now it’s time for nominees and all attendees alike to take their seats, and the show to begin.
Presenters arrive – 5.50pm
Our prestigious presenters, including Matt Cain, Helen Thorn, Dr Ranj and Lucy Watson have been spotted donning the carpet and mingling with the crowd. They are joined by host Steph McGovern, and more nominees, including MC Grammar. Judge and celebrated crime author Harriet Tyce has arrived, amid the photo-taking, socialising, and drink-sipping of the gathering.
The stars have started to arrive – 5.30pm
We are in for a star-studded evening. The guests have begun to arrive, with Jack Edwards, Anton Du Beke, Ambar Lee, Michael Rosen, and Jamie Smart all arriving on the Nibbies carpet. Prosecco is flowing, and shortlistees have started to arrive. It is set to be an unforgettable night.
Just arrived is also Jeremy Vine, the renowned BBC Radio 2 host, and Joe Wicks, author and fitness coach.
Watch the 35th British Book Awards live – 5.10pm
You can catch the whole event live on The Bookseller website and YouTube this evening from 6.30pm. Be the first to know who has won in their respective categories.
Experience the event as it happens!
Good evening and welcome – 5pm
Good evening and welcome to The British Book Awards 2026, we’ll be bringing you all the updates throughout the evening. Stay tuned for all the winners, speeches and all the going-ons at the Grosvenor Hotel, in London.
