The Isle of Wight Book Awards return for their fifth year in 2026 with a poignant new addition: a dedicated poetry category created in memory of the Awards’ first-ever winner, Marion Carmichael, who sadly passed away this year.
The newly introduced Marion Carmichael Award for Poetry will celebrate poetic voices connected to the Island, recognising both emerging and established writers while paying tribute to a much-valued member of the Isle of Wight’s literary community. The judge for the category will be announced in due course.
Founded by author Hunter Davies, the Isle of Wight Book Awards have grown into a much-loved annual celebration of local writing. Their aim remains simple yet powerful: to encourage people on the Island to write, publish, and share their stories – while shining a spotlight on the Isle of Wight’s beauty, heritage, and creative spirit.
“If you think you have a book in you, start writing – NOW!” is the guiding ethos behind the Awards.
Celebrating Island Writing
Open to books written on or about the Isle of Wight – or by authors who live on the Island for at least six months of the year – the Awards welcome both first-time and experienced writers.
Self-published and traditionally published works are equally eligible, provided they were first published in 2025 and submitted in physical format.
Categories for 2026
- Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Children’s
- Poetry (The Marion Carmichael Award)
Distinguished Judges
This year’s judging panel brings together acclaimed writers and experts across genres:
Children’s – Kieran Larwood
Award-winning author of The Five Realms series and a lifelong Isle of Wight resident, whose stories are deeply inspired by the Island’s landscapes and folklore.
Fiction – Heidi Perks
Sunday Times bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including Now You See Her, and her latest Isle of Wight-set novel It Ends Here (2026).
Non-Fiction – Angela Buckley
Crime historian and author specialising in Victorian and Edwardian true crime, known for The Real Sherlock Holmes and her contributions to major national publications.
Poetry – The Marion Carmichael Award (Judge TBC)
A special new category honouring the life and legacy of Marion Carmichael.
Prizes
- Top three entries in each category receive certificates
- Category winners are awarded £200
- One overall winner receives an additional £500
Key Dates
- Launch Date: 11th May 2026
- Closing Date: 20th June 2026
- Awards Giving Lunch: Tuesday 6th October 2026
Winners will be revealed at a celebratory Awards Lunch at the Island Sailing Club in Cowes, featuring drinks on arrival and a three-course meal.
Support and sponsorship
The Isle of Wight Book Awards are kindly supported by Creative Island, the Isle of Wight Festival, and David and Patsy Franks, whose backing helps make the Awards possible and ensures continued celebration of literary talent across the Island.
How to enter
Entrants (or their publishers) must complete an entry form and submit three copies of their book to one of four collection points across the Island by 20th June 2026. These copies will be offered for sale at the Awards event, with proceeds going to this year’s chosen charity.
Drop-off locations include Monkton Arts (Ryde), Medina Bookshop (Cowes), Mrs Middleton’s Bookshop (Freshwater), and Babushka Books (Shanklin).
A tribute and a celebration
The introduction of the Marion Carmichael Award marks a meaningful new chapter for the Isle of Wight Book Awards—honouring the legacy of a local writer while continuing to inspire new voices across the Island.
Details and Entry Form can be found here Isle of Wight Book Awards
News shared by Paul on behalf of Isle of Wight Book Awards. Ed
