The Sunday Times, founded in 1822, is Britain’s best-selling quality newspaper. It celebrated its 10,000th edition in May 2016 and has long been a champion for literature and culture, including its weekly Bestseller List which is the oldest and most influential book sales chart in the UK.
The Sunday Times created the Young Writer of the Year Award in 1991 to celebrate young and emerging literary talent in the UK and Ireland and has recognised future Sunday Times bestselling authors for the last 30 years, including Simon Armitage, Max Porter and Sally Rooney.
“It has never been more difficult for young writers to gain notice and establish a career than it is today, and the Young Writer of the Year Award is hugely important for the way it puts the spotlight on our best emerging talent. The prestige of the award, and its extraordinary list of past winners, have made it a literary kite mark, and a really effective way of supporting the best new young British and Irish talent.” Andrew Holgate, Literary Editor, The Sunday Times.