Published: 09 Jul 2018
Widely recognised as Scotland’s most prestigious book awards, the Saltire Literary Awards represent a long-standing commitment from the Saltire Society to celebrate and support Scottish literary achievement and are run with the support of Creative Scotland.
Submissions across the eight award categories are now being accepted for literature published between 1 Sept 2017 – 31 Aug 2018, entries close on Monday 6 August 2018. This year also sees a call for individuals who have a passion for literature and experience in the literary community to form part of the Award panel for the First Book, Non-Fiction and Fiction Book of the Year Awards. Apply at saltiresociety.org.uk/news.
The Saltire Society Literary Awards act as a platform for the best in Scottish literature; the first to highlight fresh talent and to show the overall strength and breadth of our writers- Alan Bett, Creative Scotland
Recognising work across six literary categories including Non-Fiction Book of the Year, Fiction Book of the Year, First Book of the Year, Research Book of the Year, History Book of the Year and Poetry Book of the Year and two Publishing Categories including Publisher of the Year and Emerging Publisher, the awards see the winner of each book category receive a cash prize of £2,000 and go on to be considered for the top prize of £6,000, awarded to the Saltire Society Book of the Year.
Previous winner of the First Book of the Year, Helen McClory, said: “Winning the Saltire First Book of the Year Award made a huge difference to my career and opened a lot of doors. I was especially grateful the book was chosen given it was published by a small company.”
2018 also sees the 30th anniversary of the First Book of the Year Award. This is an award which has celebrated the likes of Ali Smith, AL Kennedy and Michel Faber for their first works and has seen recipients go on to be central players in the international literary landscape.
The Saltire Society Literary Awards rely on expert panels of judges, helping to celebrate a wide range of works. This year sees a call for individuals who have a passion for literature and experience in the literary community to form part of our panels of independent, impartial judges for the First Book, Non-Fiction and Fiction Book Awards. If you would like to apply to be a judge on the Awards panels for one these categories please find application procedure at saltiresociety.org.uk/news.
Sarah Mason, Programme Director of the Saltire Society, said: “The Saltire Literary Awards allow us to recognise the immense contribution and talent of Scotland’s writers, from the emerging to the established. We are extremely proud of all our Awards for celebrating the astounding talent in Scotland’s literary world and we are excited to be opening up the judging experience to a diverse audience. We are hugely grateful to all of our partners including Creative Scotland, the Scottish Poetry Library, the Scottish Historical Review Trust and the National Library of Scotland. Without their longstanding and invaluable support, these Awards simply would not take place.”
Alan Bett, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “The Saltire Society Literary Awards act as a platform for the best in Scottish literature; the first to highlight fresh talent and to show the overall strength and breadth of our writers. This year’s open call for judging panel members offers the opportunity for you to contribute to the important role these awards play, going well beyond celebration and ceremony. I’m personally looking forward to returning to my panel role in 2018, another year that will leave me surrounded by stacks of Scotland’s finest literary works, and looking, in this 30th year, for something to match past First Book of the Year winners Helen McClory, Michel Faber or Ali Smith.”
Information on how to enter the Awards and apply to become a judge can be found at saltiresociety.org.uk/news. For further information please contact the Saltire Society on 0131 556 1836 or saltire@saltiresociety.org.uk.
The Saltire Literary Awards have long been regarded as the country’s most prestigious accolade for authors. We are proud to celebrate and support literary and academic excellence. And now, with a range of new partners and a refreshed style, this suite of awards truly reflects the commitment of civic Scotland to literature in all its forms. Further information as well as entry forms can be found at thesaltiresociety.submittable.com.
Saltire Scottish Book of the Year (£6,000) will be chosen from amongst the winners of the other award categories.
The categories include:
The Two Publishing Categories include:
