Faber and Andlyn announce the opening of the FAB Prize for undiscovered writers and illustrators
from underrepresented backgrounds. The first of its kind in the UK, and now in its sixth year, the FAB Prize aims to discover and showcase new talent, closing the gap between what is currently published and the reality for many families.
Aspiring authors and illustrators can now send in text or illustrations. The entries will be judged by
Faber’s Publisher Leah Thaxton, Andlyn Literary Agent Davinia Andrew-Lynch, Faber Creative
Director Donna Payne, Faber Children’s Art Director Emma Eldridge and author and founder of
Storymix Jasmine Richards. There are two new judges this year: Faber Editorial’s Ama Badu and Mo Hafeez.
Alumni of the prize include many bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators including
Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Kereen Getten, Poonam Mistry, Yvonne Battle-Felton, Michael Mann,
Jasbinder Bilan, Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan. In addition, more than fifty FAB alumni now
have agents.
Leah Thaxton, Publisher says: ‘The FAB Prize is now in its sixth year! This World Book Day we saw the work of two of our winners, Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan, featured on Channel 4
primetime TV – with a section on how to dress as Shiloh from The Rapping Princess. The reach of this lovely prize and its impact continues to grow. What a thrill for all involved.’
Ama Badu, FAB Prize judge says: ‘This is one of the highlights of my year! It has been so exciting to see what our exceptional alumni have achieved in the six years since we started the FAB Prize, to see them grow, develop their craft and share their stories with the world. I know we’ll be blown away by this year’s entries as we have been before and I could not be more thrilled to be a small part of their journey.’
Mo Hafeez, FAB Prize judge says: ‘Children’s books are truly for anyone and everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender or age, inspiring us to see and think about the world and our place within it in
imaginative and exciting ways. It’s incredible to see FAB alumni going on to become true champions of authentic, inclusive and engaging storytelling, and I can’t wait to see all the wonderful entries from the next generation of illustrators and writers of colour across the country.’
The FAB Prize is proud to be supported by BookTrust and the AOI who both offer opportunities to
FAB Prize entrants. Since its launch, the FAB Prize website, a hub for aspiring writers, illustrators and publishing professionals, now features interviews with an incredible roster of talented creatives such as New York Times bestselling author Namina Forna, Annabelle Sami, Shirley Marr and many more.
The full entry criteria is available on here. The competition closes for entries on 17th June 2022. Shortlisted authors and illustrators will be contacted directly, and the winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in October 2022.
FAB Prize 2023 will launch in Spring 2023.
