Irish Publishers Eligible to Submit Novels for the Man Booker Prize from 2018 Onwards

The Man Booker Prize for Fiction announces a change in its rules of entry as the 2018 submission forms are sent to publishers today, 8 January 2018.

As of 2018, a new rule has been added specifying that any novel written originally in English and published in Ireland by an imprint formally established in Ireland is now eligible for the prize.

Publishing Ireland welcomes the announcement which comes after a period of consultation between its board members and the Booker Prize Foundation. The aim of the new rule is to ensure independent Irish publishers are given the same opportunity to be recognised by the prize as Irish publishers who have headquarters in the UK and are already eligible to submit titles.

We believe that this revision recognises the very close relationship between Irish and UK publishers, that it takes into account the highly integrated nature of the UK and Irish markets, and that it will allow a vital source of literature in the English-speaking world to flourish.

Irish writing has long been celebrated on the world stage. This adjustment to one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards will give an unprecedented platform to Irish publishers large and small. Further to this, we believe that this news will prove to be of lasting benefit not just to the publishing community in Ireland but to writers and readers around the world and to the canon of literature itself.

Ronan Colgan, President, Publishing Ireland, comments:

‘We are extremely grateful for the support shown by the Man Booker Prize and our friends and colleagues in the UK publishing industry. This announcement is wonderful news, not just for Irish publishers and Irish writers but for our intertwined literary heritage.’