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Trade readies for Irish Book Awards

31.10.07 Graeme Neill

The newly expanded Irish Book Awards has unveiled its timetable for next year's event, and will start taking submissions from publishers for its nine categories from 8th November. Bookshops will be able to vote for the books they wish to see on the shortlist after submissions close on 14th December.

The shortlists will be announced in March 2008 and the winners selected by the Irish Literary Academy—a selection of around 100 people involved in the book trade. The public will be able to vote for the Irish popular fiction award and the listeners choice awards both online and instore.

The other seven awards are Irish novel of the year, Irish non-fiction book of the year, Irish children's book of the year, Irish sports book of the year, Irish published title of the year, Irish newcomer of the year, and lifetime achievement in Irish literature.

The 2008 awards will take place in Mansion House, Dublin on 24th April. "This year, we have a more open structure, fuller support from the trade as a whole and ambition to create what we believe will be the biggest event in the Irish literary calendar, said Alistair Giles, executive director of the awards. "The new venue will be part of a fantastic step forward to an even bigger and more exciting night."

The awards were originally launched in 2006 by Irish book chain Hughes & Hughes. They were substantially expanded for this year's ceremony, with Irish book chains, indies and publishers getting on board. Organisers of the event said the awards have now been established as a not for profit company, "ensuring that the entire Irish book trade can unite in support of this event".

Last year's event had authors Patrick McCabe, John Boyne and John McGahern pick up awards.

Graeme Neill Prize Irish Book Awards

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