Adventure Writing Prize | For Your Book Club

Sharing a story is a powerful way to connect with other readers. We are inviting twelve UK-based book clubs to shadow the 2026 Prize and contribute to the judging process. Each group will receive a set (up to ten print copies) of one shortlisted book to read and review by 10th August, before the winner is announced on 17th September. Apply now through The Reading Agency.

Which six books do you think will progress on to the shortlist? 

Perhaps you've already read one or two on the list and think your book club would be interested in one more?

If so, make sure you apply to participate in the shadowing before midday on Monday 8th June, to be in with a chance of being one of the selected groups.

Apply now through The Reading Agency.

“Having taken part last year less than two months after our book club started, the Adventure Writing Prize has had a huge impact on our book club already - giving us our first ‘project’ to work on together. It developed our friendships, giving us something to work on together when we were all practically strangers, and helped us build the foundations of our community and ‘togetherness’ that is now such an important part of our group.” - Boozy & Bookish

How does it work? 

Selected groups will be sent copies of one of the shortlisted books before the end of June 2026. Additional e-book and audio book editions will be available for groups who request them.

All groups with members aged 18+ are welcome to apply, whether you’ve been meeting for years or are thinking about forming a new book club. We are keen to have some groups who are engaged with social media to increase the reach of the Prize, but don’t let this put you off applying. We hope to see participants of all ages and genders from across the UK.

We will host a virtual meeting with two members from each of the selected groups on Thursday 25th June, 6-7pm, so we can meet you, introduce you to each other and you can ask questions about the process. Then, as well as receiving copies of the book, groups will have access to discussion sheets and are invited to attend an online meeting to discuss their book with the author themselves!

These author events will take place during the evenings of the w/c 27th July and w/c 7th August, 6-7pm, for approximately an hour. We will work with you to ensure attendance is possible – it’s always a special meeting and nice to have a full ‘room’!

We run this opportunity in partnership with The Reading Agency and selected groups are asked to send a group photo and bio to be used their and our websites and social media.

What difference does it make?

Not only is it a fun experience to participate in, groups will have the chance to share their thoughts on the book they shadowed, if they would like their thoughts to be considered by the 2026 Judges, all experts whose work straddles adventure and storytelling - and you will receive a ticket to join us at the awards reception in London, on 17th September 2026.

“Being part of the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize has been such a rewarding experience for our book club. It gave us the chance to step outside our usual reading choices and discover new voices and perspectives. We especially enjoyed the lively discussions it sparked —there was a real sense of curiosity and openness in the group, with everyone feeling encouraged to share their thoughts.

It wasn’t just about reading; it was about connecting with others who share a love for storytelling. Overall, it brought our members closer together and reminded us why we love being part of a book club in the first place." - Filipino Mothers Book Club

Apply now through The Reading Agency.

While you're here, why not explore the book club resources from 2025's Adventure Writing Prize? You can download discussion sheets for each of 2025's shortlisted novels to take back to your book groups, and watch a short interview with the authors here. It's always wonderful to know how you or your book club got on with any of the novels - we’d love to hear from you by email or on social media.