Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions...

Which books will be eligible for WGRA 2011-2012?

There are 3 criteria. Books must be:
a) debut novels
b) written by British or Irish authors
c) first published between 1st September 2010 and 31st August 2011

How are books submitted?

Publishers or authors can submit any books that meet all 3 criteria, although entries from vanity publishers or self-published books are not normally accepted. Submission for the 2010/11 prize is now closed, with 67 novels submitted. Submission for the 2011-2012 prize will close on 31st August 2011.

Submissions (four copies will be needed) should be made to

Gwen Goodhew
8 Waverton Mill Quays
Waverton
Chester CH3 7PX

gwen.goodhew@btinternet.com

What are the key dates for this year's award?

  • 31st August 2010 – last date for submissions - now closed
  • September 2010 – books distributed to reviewers
  • January 2011 – long list of 20 books drawn up
  • March/April – short list of 5 agreed
  • July 2011 – Voting and announcement of winner
  • October 2011 – 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 prior to the village fete, at which the winner is announced.

What does the winning author receive?

Following the very welcome sponsorship of NNL for 2010 a prize of £1000 is associated with the Award. At the presentation dinner, sponsored by Urenco, the winner has his/her name 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
  • 2010 Andrew Sharp - Ghosts of Eden

When will evening meetings be held for readers/reviewers in 2011-2012 and who will be the speakers?

  • Meeting venues and speakers are announced on this web site throughout the year on the Events and Meetings page. They are usually on Mondays in Waverton Primary School.
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