- The Prize
The Prize is awarded annually to writers who, in the opinion of the judges, have produced works of fiction or non-fiction that best reflect the ideals of the Barbellion Prize and which make a significant contribution to the discourse surrounding disability. Books published between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026 will be eligible for entry.
The Prize may not be withheld or divided between two titles.
2. Eligibility
Any full-length work of fiction or non-fiction originally written in English or translated into English and available in published form by a writer who is chronically ill or disabled or who has dealt personally and directly with illness or disability, is eligible for submission and the judge’s consideration.
Ebooks and graphic novels are eligible (submitted in a shareable format for the judges to access). We do not accept plays or poetry collections for submission, if you have a query on format eligibility please contact us.
Only the first publication of a title will be eligible. Newly published editions of a title already published are not eligible, e.g. a paperback edition of a title previously published in hardback.
In the event of the book being shortlisted, the publisher is expected to undertake the production of print copies to be available to libraries and for sale to readers from bookshops, and online retailers.
Self-published books are also eligible for the Prize.
3. Entry
There is no entry fee for the Barbellion Prize 2026. Applications must be received by 5pm on the closing date (1st September 2026) through the Barbellion Prize submission portal. Entries submitted via email or by post will not be considered.
A publisher who submits a book on behalf of an author shall be deemed to have obtained the author’s consent and approval of all terms and conditions contained herein.
The author must be living at the date of their book’s submission.
Only one entry per author is permitted.
There is no limit to the number of titles that may be entered by a publisher or bona fide imprint, provided the works entered meet all other entry requirements.
The Barbellion Prize reserves the right to refuse late or incomplete entries, or those that do not conform to the Terms and Conditions outlined here.
A published work may be eligible regardless of being nominated, shortlisted or winning other prizes or awards.
The decision of the Chair of the panel of judges as to whether a book is eligible shall be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Publishers are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that all submitted titles are eligible for the Prize.
The Barbellion Prize reserves the right to either include or refuse any entry, withdraw any nomination, or withdraw any award made, and further reserves the right to vary the Terms & Conditions as may be deemed necessary to ensure the proper administration and integrity of the Barbellion Prize and where required for reasons beyond the control of the Barbellion Prize. The decision of the Barbellion Prize on these issues shall be final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.
4. Judging
1) The judging process will be in two stages:
A longlist of eight titles and a shortlist of four shall be decided by the judges.
The final winner shall be decided by the judges.
In the event of a split vote the Chair will have the casting vote.
2) In compiling a shortlist for the Prize, the judging panel has the right to call in titles they deem to be noteworthy for consideration. In this instance, publishers will be requested to submit an application as soon as possible.
3) The decision of the judges on the shortlist and the overall winner will be final and no correspondence shall be entered into.
4. Each of the shortlisted authors will receive a £500 prize and the overall winner will receive an additional £500 and a unique trophy.
5. Promotion of the Prize
In entering works to the Barbellion Prize 2026, the publisher agrees to work in collaboration with the Prize administrator to undertake a mutually acceptable limited programme of activities to promote the award which shall include, but not be limited to:
1. supplying biographical and bibliographical information, including but not limited to text extracts of up to 200 words, jacket images, author photographs and biographies, inside spreads and any additional material (trailers, audio extracts, etc.) requested that will help to promote the Prize.
2. using best endeavours to facilitate recorded interviews and other public activities with authors, to be used by the Barbellion Prize on the internet or media platforms to promote the Barbellion Prize 2026.
3. inviting the shortlisted author to the shortlist readings and the online award ceremony and using best endeavours to ensure their attendance.