PRESS: Shortlist Revealed - 2025 Author of Tomorrow Award

We’re thrilled to announce the shortlist for the 2025 Author of Tomorrow Award!

From the hundreds of entries we received from young writers all over the world, ten outstanding adventure stories have been shortlisted. These tales took us to cursed islands, ancient cathedrals and mythological realms. From forbidden books to emotional climbs, they capture the imagination and heart at the core of great adventure writing. 

Congratulations to the shortlisted writers for making it to the final stage of the competition. You can see who the ten writers are below, and read more about them and their stories here.

11 & Under:

For their short stories of up to 500 words, Sharvil, Mei and Eleanor are in the running to win £100, plus a £150 book token to give to their school, library or charity of choice.

12-15 Years:

For their works of 1,000 - 2,000 words, Oluwatumininu, Hanako or Amena will win £250, also along with a £150 book token to give to their school, library or charity of choice.

Eliana, Madeline, Abbie or Isabelle will win £1,000 for their story of 1,500 - 3,000 words.

All ten authors will be working with a professional editor over the summer, before having their work digitally published in an Author of Tomorrow Anthology on Worldreader’s BookSmart app. In the meantime, our young judging panel will be responsible for reviewing and deciding the final winners, to be announced at our Awards Reception on 11th September, 2025. Good luck!

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Commended Entries:

Owing to the high quality of the entries, a further 90 submissions have been awarded a commendation. Each young writer will receive a certificate of commendation in the autumn and personalised feedback on their manuscripts over the coming months. 

Congratulations to all of the commended and shortlisted authors, and huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Author of Tomorrow award. Your stories blew us away. 

Thank you, too, to our incredible team of insightful and committed readers and reviewers for your time and expertise.