Faber opens the 2024 FAB Prize
By Faber Editor 19 April 2024
Faber launches the 2024 FAB Prize with new guest judges, Lucy Bannerman and John-Paul Kunrunmi.
Faber announces the opening of the 2024 FAB Prize for undiscovered writers and illustrators of colour. The prize is now open to receive text and artwork entries from picture book to young adult. Launched in 2017 and the first of its kind in the UK, the FAB Prize highlights new talent from underrepresented backgrounds, closing the gap between what is currently published and the reality for many families.
FAB prize entries will be judged by Faber’s Publisher Leah Thaxton, Curtis Brown Literary Agent and co-founder Davinia Andrew-Lynch, Faber Art Director Emma Eldridge and Faber Assistant Editor Ama Badu. This year’s guest judges include award-winning Times journalist Lucy Bannerman and BookTok influencer, John-Paul Kunrunmi (@jpreads6).
Alumni of the FAB Prize include many bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators such as Tọlá Okogwu, Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Kereen Getten, Ngadi Smart, Aisha Bushby, Varsha Shah, Michael Mann, Akhran Girmay and Hannah Lee. More than 150 books have now been published or acquired by publishers from FAB alumni. Most recently, Faber published There’s a Tiger on the Train by debut author and FAB Prize winner Mariesa Dulak. Beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, the picture book was an Indie bestseller for the first three weeks of publication.
First prize winners each receive a cash prize of £1,500, a place on the Faber Academy writing course (Text), a one-year membership to the AOI (Illustration) and the opportunity to shadow already established authors and illustrators on virtual school visits thanks to the support of BookTrust. All shortlistees will see their work included in a bespoke booklet that Faber sends out to agents in the industry.
Leah Thaxton, Publisher says:
‘The FAB Prize has become a glittering event in the publishing calendar – we feel so proud of our brilliant alumni.’
Ama Badu, Assistant Editor says:
‘Seeing this prize grow is such an inspiration. I can’t wait to welcome the next generation of talented creatives into the industry.’
