Writers with a passion for the Isle of Wight—whether drawn from its landscapes, history, or people—can now enter their work for the 2025 Isle of Wight Book Awards.
The Awards, which open for submissions from 1st April, celebrate books that feature the Island as a central thread. Now in their fourth year, they aim to champion both new and established authors who shine a light on this unique place, whether through fiction, non-fiction or children’s storytelling.
A platform for Island voices—from anywhere in the world
Your location doesn’t matter. You could be living in Sandown or Sydney—as long as your book was published in 2024 and has genuine Isle of Wight content, you’re eligible to enter.
The Awards are open to both traditionally published and self-published authors, with past winners coming from both routes. However, entries must be physical books—ebooks alone won’t be considered.
Simple steps to enter
To throw your hat in the ring, fill out the online form at the Isle of Wight Book Awards website, then deliver two copies of your book to one of four Island bookshops: Medina Bookshop (Cowes), Monkton Arts (Ryde), Babushka Books (Shanklin), or Mrs Middlebrow’s Bookshop (Freshwater).
The deadline for submissions is 31st May 2025.
Respected judges and generous prizes
Three judges, each respected in their field, will select the winners:
- Children’s books: Nicholas Allen, author and illustrator of favourites like The Queen’s Knickers
- Fiction: M.H. Eccleston, whose Island-based murder mystery Death on the Isle won the very first award
- Non-fiction: Lucinda Hawksley, historian, broadcaster, and descendant of Charles Dickens
Each category winner will receive £200, with an additional £500 awarded to the overall Book of the Year.
Part of a bigger stage: IW Literary Festival
This year’s award ceremony marks the opening event of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival. Taking place at the Island Sailing Club in Cowes on Tuesday 7th October, the Presentation Lunch will include an opening speech by award founder Hunter Davies, with all three judges in attendance.
It’s a rare chance to see Island-inspired authors and readers come together in celebration—and for finalists, a moment to share their work in front of a literary-minded audience.
Supporting Island talent and community
The Awards also support a local cause each year. For 2025, the chosen charity is Sporting Opportunities IW, which offers training and competitions for athletes with learning disabilities.
Proceeds from book sales and a raffle at the awards lunch will go directly to support their work.
“A fun way to keep the story alive”
Paul Armfield, who coordinates the Awards, captures their spirit,
“Of course writing is not a competition, but the ultimate spirit of the awards is to celebrate books about the Island, to raise their profile so that people get to hear of them, they also encourage new writing, and give budding writers something to aim for.
“It’s a fun way to keep the story alive, and by being part of the Literary Festival it creates a further opportunity for local talent to be included in the bigger picture.”
So if you’ve written something with the Isle of Wight in its heart—don’t keep it to yourself. Share it, celebrate it, and be part of the story.
Find full details and the entry form at the Isle of Wight Book Awards website.
