Now Open: 2021 Henrietta Branford Writing Competition

Finish a story started by Branford Boase Award winner Liz Hyder

The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition, the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, is now open.

One of the most prestigious of UK children’s book prizes, the Branford Boase Award recognises a debut children’s author and their editor and was set up in memory of the outstanding children’s writer Henrietta Branford and the gifted editor, Wendy Boase, Editorial Director of Walker Books. They both died of cancer in 1999.

The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition aims to find and encourage writers of the future, something Henrietta Branford was always keen to do.

Anyone under the age of 19 can enter the competition. Entrants are invited to finish a story begun by last year’s winner, author of Bearmouth, Liz Hyder.

Each story should be no longer than 1000 words, should have a title and connect to the starter paragraph. All entrants must live in the UK and be under 19 years of age. Entries will be judged by Prue Goodwin, consultant and lecturer in literacy learning and children’s literature.

The winners will receive signed copies of each of the books shortlisted for the 2021 Branford Boase Award.

The closing date for the competition is Sunday 23 May 2021.

Find full details on the Branford Boase Award website.