The Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize is inviting six UK-based reading groups to shadow the 2024 Best Published Novel award. Each group will receive a set (up to ten copies) of one shortlisted book to read and review by 8th August, before the winner is announced on 19th September.
Find out all about this year’s shortlist here.
The Shadowing Opportunity
All groups with members aged 18+ are welcome to apply – whether you’ve been meeting for years or are thinking about forming a new book club. We are keen to have some groups who are engaged with social media to increase the reach of the Prize but don’t let this put you off applying, we hope to see participants of all ages and genders from across the UK.
Groups will be selected and sent copies of the book by the end of June 2024.
The Reading Agency will host a virtual meeting with two members from each of the selected groups on 27 June so we can meet you, introduce you to each other and you can ask any questions you may have about the process.
As well as copies of the book, groups will have access to discussion sheets, plus the chance to attend an online meeting to discuss their book with the author. We aim for the author events to take place during the evenings of the w/c 29th July, 6.15-7.15pm, for approximately an hour.
Groups are asked to send a group photo and bio to be used on websites and social media (of The Reading Agency and the Prize). In addition, they will be asked to share their experience on social media where possible, answer a questionnaire giving feedback and provide reviews on the titles they have read by 8th August 2024.
Each group will receive two tickets to join the awards reception in London, on the evening of 19th September.
To be considered, please complete the form below by 19 June.
Please do not enter if your club does not wish to engage with any of activities outlined above.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
Applications will close at 12pm on 19 June 2024.
Key dates and involvement
19 June, 12pm – Closing date for book clubs to apply to shadow the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize. All groups who pitched to be notified of outcome by 28 June
27 June – The Reading Agency to host a virtual meeting with two members of the six selected groups for the Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation to introduce them all to each other, set expectations and answer any questions they may have
w/c 29 July (dates tbc) – Private Zoom event with the author of their allocated title.
8 August – Questionnaire, reviews and photos from each group to be sent to The Reading Agency
19 September – Announcement of the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize winner
How to enter
To be considered, please complete the form below by 19 June.
Create your own user feedback survey
If the form does not load, please use this link to apply.
Get involved
If you work in a library or workplace and would like to promote the shortlist, you can download a free digital pack for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Prize from our shop.
What do you think of the 2024 shortlisted titles? Which have you read and what will be added to your TBR pile? Add your comments below, or click any title above to leave a review.
Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #AdventureWritingPrize.
Keep up with all the latest news on the Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation website.
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