One chair on our judging panel is reserved for you, the reader. We all know how powerful a book recommendation can be and you are the ones that keep the market growing.

The Reader’s Vote will be open 1st July - 10th August 2026. If you want to make your voice heard on which book you think should take home the top prize, this is one way to do it. 

Readers have three votes to award, and whether you want to share them between titles or award them all to one is your choice. The votes will be collated and, together, will be awarded the equivalent weight to one seat on the judging panel, giving you a voice in determining the winner. 

So, dive into the shortlist. Read, share and recommend, and start thinking about where you will place your votes when the time comes.