The literary world has a new recognition in town with the introduction of the New Adult Book Prize, a groundbreaking initiative launched this year by The Bookseller in partnership with the prestigious Cheltenham Literature Festival. This new prize marks a significant moment in the literary scene, as it is the first award dedicated exclusively to honoring the genre of new adult fiction—a genre that has grown in both popularity and importance in recent years.
The New Adult Book Prize is set to provide a unique platform for books that tackle the challenges, milestones, and complexities faced by individuals aged 19 to 29—what is often referred to as the “quarter-life” stage. While young adult (YA) fiction has long explored the coming-of-age experience, new adult fiction delves deeper into the transitional years following adolescence, a period filled with significant life changes, self-discovery, and sometimes, intense personal struggles. This shift into early adulthood brings a new set of themes to explore, such as navigating independence, managing relationships, pursuing careers, and dealing with the emotional and social complexities of adulthood.
The New Adult Book Prize aims to highlight these themes and spotlight the voices of authors who are addressing the pivotal issues that resonate with readers in this age group. The award is committed to celebrating the full breadth of talent in new adult fiction, recognizing books across a wide range of genres. From contemporary romance to thrillers, fantasy, and literary fiction, the New Adult Book Prize champions a rich diversity of storytelling that speaks directly to the experiences of this unique demographic.
The inaugural prize will be awarded later this year, with the shortlist set to be announced in the coming months. The selection process for the shortlist will be managed by a panel of expert judges, working alongside a team from The Bookseller. The shortlist will feature ten books, showcasing the wealth of creativity and variety within the genre.
In selecting the winner, the panel of judges will be tasked with identifying a book that not only stands out for its literary quality but also effectively engages with the themes that define the new adult experience. The book should resonate with the emotional and psychological realities of young adulthood—examining the obstacles, triumphs, and growth that shape the lives of those navigating this transitional phase.
The winner of the New Adult Book Prize will be revealed at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, a celebrated event that attracts writers, readers, and literary professionals from around the world. The announcement will take place as part of the VOICEBOX programme, a highlight of the festival known for its focus on the voices of contemporary authors. By unveiling the winner at such a prominent literary event, the prize aims to elevate new adult fiction as an essential and respected genre within the literary community.
The launch of the New Adult Book Prize is a significant milestone in recognizing the importance of new adult fiction as a genre that speaks to the heart of the modern experience. With many readers of this age group seeking stories that reflect their personal journeys, this award provides a much-needed recognition of the literary works that tackle the real and relatable challenges faced by young adults. By offering this new opportunity for authors and readers alike, the prize helps establish new adult fiction as a key space within the world of books, acknowledging its growing influence and appeal in the literary marketplace.
As the New Adult Book Prize makes its debut this year, it promises to shine a light on the powerful and diverse stories that are shaping the experiences of today’s young adults and, in doing so, contribute to the broader recognition of this genre within the literary world.
