Book of the Year - Discover
Book of the Year - Discover Shortlist
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The Discover award is here to amplify books and stories from underrepresented writers, with a particular focus on the work of indie presses and imprints. This shortlist encompasses six conversation-starting books, from children’s and science to poetry.
Winner
The Mercy Step
Marcia Hutchinson
Cassava Republic Press
Marcia Hutchinson’s The Mercy Step, a debut novel about a young girl raised in Bradford in the 1960s and ’70s, impressed in this category. An “extraordinary piece of writing”, said one judge; another called it “riveting”, while a third declared Hutchinson “an electrifying voice”. The panel particularly enjoyed the book’s depiction of the second-generation migrant and northern experience, which was sure to “resonate with so many people”.
Hutchinson’s debut encompassed everything that the Discover award was set up to celebrate – underrepresented stories and plucky publishing. Cassava Republic released The Mercy Step, which had been turned down by multiple publishers, with verve. A striking cover drew on the novel’s themes, and the team organised 15 events across the country. An interview on BBC Radio 4 Front Row on “rewriting Bradford’s narrative” was a standout moment, and Hutchinson was named one of the Observer’s best new novelists of 2025. “An amazing piece of writing,” the panel concluded.
The Shortlist
Beyond/Tu Hwnt
Edited by Bethany Handley, Megan Angharad Hunter, Sioned Erin Hughes
Lucent Dreaming
Beyond/Tu Hwnt is the first of its kind: a multilingual anthology of work from Deaf and Disabled Welsh writers who submitted their work following Bethany Handley, Megan Angharad Hunter and Sioned Erin Hughes’ open call for submissions. Handley and Hunter both appeared at Hay Festival in conversation with Jannat Ahmed, while Lucent Dreaming organised a series of in-person and online events that prioritised accessibility.
Human, Animal
Seth Insua
VERVE Books
Seth Insua’s tale of fracturing familial relationships on a dairy farm was nurtured by VERVE Books, who saw Human, Animal’s potential. The campaign began a year before publication with an influencer event and nationwide proof drops. Insua decorated independent bookshop windows and embarked on an impressive roster of events. The initial print run sold-out within two weeks of publication and Human, Animal was selected for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club.
The Age of Olive Trees
Haia Mohammed
Out-Spoken Press
The debut poetry collection from Haia Mohammed shows how impactful a book can be. Out-Spoken Press supported her application to Goldsmiths University and lobbied the UK government to change its policy so she could be evacuated from Gaza. All proceeds from The Age of Olive Trees support the poet’s family. Since arriving in the UK, Mohammed has performed her poetry at the Southbank Centre and the Union Chapel.
The Mercy Step
Marcia Hutchinson
Cassava Republic Press
Cassava Republic paid their highest-ever advance for Marcia Hutchinson’s literary novel The Mercy Step. They took a considered approach, aiming to build long-term readership rather than short-term visibility. Hutchinson appeared at 15 events across the UK and participated in an online book tour. Cassava Republic secured an impressive amount of publicity, including an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row and an appearance at Bradford Literature Festival.
The Other Father Christmas
Serena Holly, Shahab Shamshirsaz (illustrator)
Storymix Books
Serena Holly, the pen name for Jasmine Richards and Priscilla Mante, reinvented the Santa myth to make sure every child can see themselves included in the annual celebration. When The Other Father Christmas was rejected by major publishers, Richards launched Storymix and a Kickstarter campaign to fund the book. Storymix arranged a host of community-minded events, including an immersive Santa’s Grotto, in partnership with Woke Babies, with Dapo Adeola as Father Christmas.
The Science of Racism
Keon West
Picador
Picador knew they had an impactful book with Professor Keon West’s The Science of Racism, which takes a data-led approach to explore racism. A cross-departmental team was formed to deliver an impactful, sensitive campaign. Statistics from the book were projected across London landmarks and West was indispensable, appearing on numerous radio shows and at literary festivals. He also collaborated on an internal session with BBC Children in Need.
