Nero New Writers Prize launched

The Nero New Writers Prize, aimed at discovering the next generation of talent in Irish and British literature, was officially launched earlier this week in partnership with Brunel University of London. The competition, which began in 2025, seeks to identify promising unpublished writers through submissions of short stories or narrative non-fiction pieces under 5,000 words. These works can target either children or adult audiences and must be self-contained. The prize is designed to nurture emerging voices in literature and provide them with opportunities for further development. The competition opens today and will remain open until September 11. Submissions can be made via the official website, nerobookawards.com. The prize includes a £3,000 cash reward, a scholarship for an MA in Creative Writing at Brunel University, an introductory meeting with a literary agent, and additional benefits yet to be detailed. The judging panel consists of notable figures in the literary world, including Paul Murray, a bestselling author and winner of the 2023 Nero Gold Prize, Helen Cullen, an Irish Times literary critic and novelist, and Bernardine Evaristo, a Booker Prize winner. In addition to the main prize, a new category exclusively for Brunel University students has been introduced. A separate announcement revealed plans for a literary event in Dublin, where Enda Wyley, Sarah Gilmartin, and Mary O’Donnell will perform readings on Thursday, August 6, starting at 6 p.m., at Hodges Figgis in Dawson Street. This event adds to the growing momentum around literary culture in Ireland, especially with the upcoming Irish Book Week scheduled for later this year. Irish Book Week 2026, set to take place from October 17 to 24, has unveiled its campaign ambassadors, including Antrim-born children's author and illustrator Paddy Donnelly, Galway-based author Catherine Doyle, Dublin-based children's author Shane Hegarty, Cork native and multi-hyphenate Carina McNally, and Belfast-based author and school principal Séamus Ó Tuama. Now entering its ninth year, the event aims to highlight the significance of Irish bookshops and promote local shopping experiences. The initiative aligns with the Booksellers Association’s ongoing campaign, "Books Are My Bag," which includes events such as Independent Bookshop Week and the Indie Book Awards. Paddy Donnelly expressed enthusiasm about being named an ambassador for Irish Book Week 2026. He emphasized the importance of bookshops as vital community spaces, describing them as "magical places of wonder." His contribution to the event includes creating the official artwork for the campaign, which will serve as a visual centerpiece for the week-long celebration. The Nero New Writers Prize and Irish Book Week both represent significant efforts to bolster the literary landscape in Ireland and beyond. With the prize offering substantial support to emerging writers and the week-long event aiming to strengthen ties between authors and readers, these initiatives underscore the continued relevance of traditional publishing and literary engagement in the digital age. The deadline for entries into the Nero New Writers Prize is fast approaching, with the final date set for September 11.