Libraro Prize interview with Elly Griffiths

On the 19th January 2026 it was announced that award winning crime writer Elly Griffiths would be one of the judges for the new literary reader lead prize that was announced.  The prize is a partnership between Libraro and Hachette.

In an interview Elly agreed to talk about the prize, why she was delighted to be a judge and what she was looking for in the submissions.

Ayo:           Why did you agree to become a judge?

Elly:           As you know I am a former Editorial Director before I started writing my own novels and I have been very aware of the current barriers and difficulties that one sees within traditional publishing. I agreed to be a judge because not only did it appeal to me, but it is a publishing first.  I also see it as a practical way of getting published and also engaging with writers. The prize is a way of demystifying publishing and a way of finding not only new voices but also underrepresented books.

Ayo:               How important is the fact that it is a reader lead prize?

Elly:               It is very important because writers are also readers and it helps to break down the barriers between authors and readers.

Ayo:               Do such competitions matter?

Elly:               Very much so.  They matter as it is another way of writers getting their books in front of publishers and having a possible chance of being published. It is another way of encouraging writers to finish the books that they have started. Furthermore, not only is the prize democratic as in anyone can enter), but the shortlisted books will also receive support.

Ayo:              Are there any boundaries?

Elly:               No there are not. Everyone is welcome and we are quite open to fresh voices.

Ayo:       What are the key elements that you are looking for from the  submissions?

Elly:           Voice is very important so I am looking for a voice that will surprise me and is unheard.  A very authentic and genuine voice. Anything open, convincing and new. Publishing is a business, so the book also has to be marketable as well and be able to stand on its own merits. The story is important as well; it has to sing and to be warm.

Ayo:               What do you look for in an award-winning book?

Elly:           As already mentioned, voice, a fresh voice, a different voice and point of view. Emotion and or something that makes me laugh and also a book that challenges pre-conceptions.

Ayo:-            What would be your top tip for anyone entering the competition

Elly;            Read the guidelines and follow them carefully. Don’t second guess yourself. Be confident.  Remember that you are the one making the offer so don’t be too humble. Think of how you would sell your book. Think of an ‘elevator pitch’. Believe in your writing.

The winner package includes £50,000 from Libraro (a £30,000 prize and £20,000 towards the marketing of the finished book), and a book deal with Hachette UK. Meanwhile, two Reader Prizes worth £10,000 will be also awarded: one for the reader who refers the winning author to the platform, and the other for the reader who engages most actively with the writers’ submissions.

The shortlist will be announced on Tuesday 21st April 2026, with the overall winner announced on Wednesday 13th May 2026. 

In addition to its partnerships with Hachette UK and LoveReading, The Libraro Prize is supported by a range of organisations that share its aims to democratise reading and writing, and to recognise the importance of building community and connection. They are: Exiled Writers Ink, Frontline, Club, London Writers’ Salon, NAWE, New Writing North, Pen to Print, The Reading Agency, Writers & Artists and Writing West Midlands.