We’re delighted to announce the winners of the SI Leeds Literary Prize 2024 as follows:
Maeve’s novel was chosen by 85 independent readers as their favourite of the shortlist. Amy Lord, the Prize’s Audience Development Consultant, said: “The SI Readers’ Choice Award is something special: we share the work of our shortlisted writers with real readers, who select their favourite for the prize. Readers also have the opportunity to leave comments for the writers and, for some, this may be the first time they’ve received feedback on their work. This year, we were thrilled to expand our pool of readers, with record numbers of people from across the UK signing up to take part, including several book groups. Our readers are so enthusiastic, and it’s always wonderful to see which of the shortlisted books they select as their winner!”
Maeve, from Birmingham, wins £4,000 for the 1st Prize award and £1,000 for the SI Readers’ Choice award.
Arathi Menon who is from London came in second, with her novel Da winning £2,000.
Jac Shreeves-Lee’s manuscript, The House that Jack Built and other stories, was named third. Jac, who is also from London, will receive £1000.
Each of the winners will also receive free manuscript reads from The Literary Consultancy, a free place on an Arvon masterclass or course, and support from New Writing North. as well as a range of other developmental support from Prize partners Inscribe, The Written Academy and Mslexia.
Fiona Goh, Prize Director, said she was delighted with this year’s entries: “2024 marks the 7th edition of our biennial award, and it’s been a joy to read the ambitious, eclectic manuscripts submitted by our shortlisted authors. Our writers’ fresh takes on some really challenging social issues inspired detailed, passionate discussions by the judging panel; chair Nelle Andrew, Kadija George Sesay, Rosemary Hudson and Latoyah Innerarity. Particular congratulations to Maeve for winning both the 1st Prize and the SI Readers’ Choice award, which is a first for the prize. I’m hugely looking forward to working with and reading more from all our shortlisted writers in the years to come!”
You can watch the award ceremony here
