Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions...

Which books are eligible for WGRA 2009-2010?

There are 3 criteria. Books must be:
a) debut novels
b) written by British or Irish authors
c) first published between 1st September 2008 and 31st August 2009

How are books submitted?

Publishers or authors can submit any books that meet all 3 criteria, although entries from vanity publishers are not normally accepted. Submission for the 2009/10 prize is now closed, with 61 novels submitted:
Gwen Goodhew
8 Waverton Mill Quays
Waverton
Chester CH3 7PX

What are the key dates for the award?

  • September 2009 – last date for submissions
  • October 2009 – books distributed to reviewers
  • January 2010 – long list of 20 books drawn up
  • April – short list of 5 agreed
  • July 2010 – Voting and announcement of winner
  • October 2010 – Presentation dinner for winning author as part of Chester’s Literature Festival

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How is the winner chosen?

A team of up to 100 keen readers complete a review sheet for each book they read and include a score between 0 and 10. Using these scores a long list of twenty and later a short list of five titles is drawn up. Multiple copies of these five books are distributed at meeting places around the village and everyone is invited to read. All readers are sent ballot papers and a vote takes place at the village fete.

What does the winning author receive?

Following the very welcome sponsorship of Borders (Cheshire Oaks) a prize of £1000 is associated with the Award. At the presentation dinner the winner is also given an engraved bowl and his/her name is added to the trophy that stays in the village. More importantly, authors receive endorsement from the general reading public.

Who are the previous winners of Waverton Good Read Award?

  • 2004 Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
  • 2005 Jonathan Trigell – Boy A
  • 2006 Marina Lewycka – A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian
  • 2007 Nicola Monaghan – The Killing Jar
  • 2008 Paul Torday - Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
  • 2009 Tom Rob Smith - Child 44

When will evening meetings be held for readers/reviewers in 2009-2010 and who will be the speakers?

  • Meeting venues and speakers will be announced on the web site in due course
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