£50,000 ‘reader-led’ writing prize launched

The award, run by Hachette UK and Libraro, aims to sidestep the traditional barricades of the book industry' and give readers a role in discovering new talent

A new 50,000 writing prize that allows readers to select the shortlist from submitted manuscripts - and rewards them with cash prizes for their involvement - has been launched by the publishing platform Libraro, in partnership with Hachette UK.

The Libraro prize aims to sidestep the traditional barricades of the book industry", according to organisers. Writers upload full manuscripts to the Libraro platform, where readers champion their favourite entries to create a shortlist of six books.