By Sara Bright
The British Book Awards, also known as The Nibbies, are the most prestigious and comprehensive awards in the UK book industry. They honour the best books, authors, illustrators, publishers, and retailers of the year, across various categories and genres. They are a celebration of the books that have stirred our hearts and minds, and the people who have brought them to us.
The British Book Awards are organised by The Bookseller, the leading trade magazine and website for the book trade and publishing industry. The awards have been running since 1990, and have become a highlight of the literary calendar. They are also a source of inspiration and information for book lovers and readers everywhere.
The British Book Awards Categories and Criteria
The British Book Awards are divided into two main sections: the Book of the Year Awards and the Trade Awards.
The Book of the Year Awards recognise the best books published in the UK in the previous year, in nine categories: Fiction, Debut Fiction, Crime & Thriller, Non-Fiction: Narrative, Non-Fiction: Lifestyle, Children’s Fiction, Children’s Illustrated & Non-Fiction, Audiobook, and Overall Book of the Year. The winners are chosen by a panel of expert judges, who consider the quality, originality, and impact of the books, as well as their sales and reviews.
The Trade Awards celebrate the achievements and excellence of the book trade and publishing industry, in eight categories: Publisher of the Year, Editor of the Year, Marketing Strategy of the Year, Publicity Campaign of the Year, Independent Bookshop of the Year, Small Press of the Year, Library of the Year, and Industry Leader of the Year. The winners are selected by a panel of industry professionals, who evaluate the performance, innovation, and contribution of the nominees.
The British Book Awards Dates and Venues
The British Book Awards are held annually, usually in May, at a glamorous and festive ceremony in London. The ceremony is attended by hundreds of guests from the book trade and publishing industry, as well as authors, celebrities, and media. The ceremony is also live-streamed online, and an edited version is made available afterwards. The ceremony features speeches, presentations, entertainment, and surprises, and is hosted by a famous and charismatic presenter.
The British Book Awards 2024 will take place on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, a luxurious and historic hotel in the heart of the city. The ceremony will also be available online, for those who cannot attend in person. The tickets for the ceremony will go on sale on November 1, 2023, and can be purchased online or by phone.
The British Book Awards Submissions and Shortlists
The British Book Awards are open for submissions from December 13, 2023, to February 1, 2024. The submissions can be made online, through the official website of the awards. The submissions are free of charge, and there is no limit to the number of entries per category. The submissions must meet the eligibility criteria, which can be found on the website.
The shortlists for the Book of the Year Awards will be announced on March 8, 2024, and the shortlists for the Trade Awards will be announced on March 15, 2024. The shortlists will be published on the website, and in The Bookseller magazine and newsletter. The shortlists will also be promoted and discussed on social media, using the hashtag #Nibbies.
The British Book Awards are the ultimate recognition and celebration of the best of books and publishing. They are a showcase of the creativity, diversity, and passion that are possible when an entire industry unites to connect readers to stories. They are the awards that every book lover and reader should follow and enjoy.