The social club for everyone professionally concerned with literature and the publishing industry

Shortlist for the 2026 Best First Novel Award

The Authors’ Club is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2026 Best First Novel Award, now in its 72nd year. Lucy Popescu, chairing the judging panel, commented: “We are delighted to announce our shortlist of six thrilling debuts. These talented novelists...

Longlist announced for Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award 2026

Today, the Authors’ Club announces the longlist for the annual Best First Novel Award, now in its 72nd year. The longlisted books are as follows: Rupert Dastur Cloudless (Fig Tree) Christina Fonthes Where You Go, I Will Go (Tinder Press) Connor Hutchinson Dead Lucky...

Best First Novel Award Winner Announced

The Authors’ Club is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2025 Best First Novel Award is Ferdia Lennon’s Glorious Exploits (Fig Tree). This year’s guest adjudicator, novelist Tracy Chevalier, presented the £2,500 award at a reception at the National Liberal Club...
Longlist for Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award 2025

Longlist for Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award 2025

Today, the Authors’ Club announces the longlist for the annual Best First Novel Award, now in its 71st year.  The longlisted books are as follows:  Colin Barrett Wild Houses (Jonathan Cape)  Mark Bowles All My Precious Madness (Galley Beggar Press) Kaliane Bradley The...