The Isle of Wight Book Awards will return for a 5th year this month, with the introduction of a new poetry prize honouring a much-loved local author who passed away earlier this year.
Organisers have announced the creation of the Marion Carmichael Award for Poetry, in memory of the Awards’ first-ever winner. The new category will celebrate poetic voices connected to the Isle of Wight, recognising both emerging and established writers.
The judge for the poetry category is yet to be confirmed.
Founded by author Hunter Davies, the Isle of Wight Book Awards have grown into a popular annual celebration of local writing. The initiative aims to encourage people on the Isle of Wight to write, publish and share their stories, while showcasing the Island’s heritage and creative talent.
The Awards are open to books written on or about the Isle of Wight, or by authors who live on the Island for at least 6 months of the year. Both self-published and traditionally published works are eligible, provided they were first published in 2025 and submitted in physical format.
Categories for 2026 include Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s and Poetry.
This year’s judging panel includes children’s author Kieran Larwood, novelist Heidi Perks and crime historian Angela Buckley.
The top 3 entries in each category will receive certificates, while category winners will be awarded £200. One overall winner will receive an additional £500.
The Awards officially launch on 11th May, with entries closing on 20th June. Winners will be announced at an Awards Lunch held at the Island Sailing Club in Cowes on 6th October.
Entrants, or their publishers, must submit an entry form along with 3 copies of their book to designated collection points across the Island by the closing date. These include Monkton Arts in Ryde, Medina Bookshop in Cowes, Mrs Middleton’s Bookshop in Freshwater and Babushka Books in Shanklin.
Proceeds from the book sales at the event will go to charity.
The Awards are supported by Creative Island, the Isle of Wight Festival, and David and Patsy Franks.
The introduction of the new poetry category marks a significant addition to the Awards, celebrating the legacy of Marion Carmichael while continuing to inspire writers across the Isle of Wight.
