Submissions

Is this book relevant to today?

• Books that explore vital questions about humanity with direct relevance to the world now.
• Authors can do this by addressing contemporary debates — or could draw lessons from the past that illuminate current perspectives.

Does this book offer original insights?

• Books that offer fresh ideas and new outlooks, encouraging readers to rethink our relationship with our world.
• Authors are thought leaders across the humanities and social sciences who ask bold questions and provide answers in imaginative ways. They challenge assumptions and reveal overlooked connections.

Will the reading public engage with this book?

• Books that tell powerful stories in a compelling, accessible way, that set out why they should be read.
• Authors who are first-class communicators whose work inspires new audiences and nurtures curiosity and debate.

Is this book thoroughly researched?

• Books that explore complex issues through high-quality research, conveyed with authority and supported by compelling evidence and analysis.
• Authors consider different viewpoints and arguments. They establish nuanced conclusions that make lasting contributions to their subject and beyond.

For each submission, we require:

• • a completed submission form
  • PDF version of the book
  • one hard copy of the book
• Post the hard copy to: The British Academy (Book Prize Team), 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH, United Kingdom.
• The hard copy of the book must reach The British Academy no later than one week after the closing date for submissions (7 May 2026). Any submissions received after this date will be invalid. If you encounter any difficulties with distribution, please contact the Prize Team.
• Receipt of submissions will be acknowledged by email, but please note that only those selected for the shortlist will be contacted afterwards.
• Publishers may be called upon to submit additional copies of a submitted book to facilitate the judging process. No books will be returned.
• If shortlisted, publishers will be required to provide up to 30 additional copies of a nominated book for promotional purposes.
• By entering the Prize, publishers and authors are agreeing to work co-operatively with the British Academy and participate in all promotion and public engagement associated with The British Academy Book Prize, including interviews, photography, readings, and appearances.
• Shortlisted and winning titles must display the words ‘Shortlisted for the British Academy Book Prize’ or ‘Winner of the British Academy Book Prize’ on all subsequent printings, according to the Prize’s brand guidelines (to be provided) on the jacket or cover design of all future editions, including the paperback, e-book and audio edition, unless otherwise agreed.
• The judging panel has the right to nominate books that have not been put forward.
• It is at the discretion of the British Academy and the judging panel as to whether a book meets the eligibility criteria for the Prize.
• The decision of the judging panel shall be binding.
• The Prize is managed by the British Academy, to whom all enquiries about the application of these regulations should be addressed.

As the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences, the British Academy champions scholarship in these disciplines. Books must link to one or more of our disciplines:

• Africa, Asia and the Middle East
• Anthropology and Geography
• Archaeology
• Art
• Classical Antiquity
• Culture, Media and Performance
• Economics
• Education
• History
• Language
• Law
• Linguistics and Philology
• Literature
• Management and Business Studies
• Medieval Studies
• Music
• Philosophy
• Political Studies
• Psychology
• Sociology, Demography and Social Statistics
• Theology and Religious Studies

They may be written by scholars, but also journalists, practitioners, specialists and independent writers. Research must be carefully balanced with accessibility – judges are looking for a book that can be read by an engaged but non-specialist reader.

The British Academy appoints an independent Judging Panel comprising Fellows of the British Academy and external experts to select a shortlist and winner. This year the judging panel is chaired by Professor Gary Young Hon FBA.

In the early stages, the Judging Panel is supported by the First Readers Panel, a group of readers comprised of researchers the Academy has funded and Fellows. The First Readers Panel use their knowledge, publishing expertise, passion for reading and enthusiasm for literary non-fiction to read and review the books submitted to the Prize, providing a report for the judges to focus their activity.