The Lakeland Book of the Year Awards has established itself as a really prestigious event on the literary calendar and once again we would like to encourage publishers and authors – whether they are a first-time writer or an established author – to enter. As usual last year’s awards saw an amazing number of entries, all competing for the prestigious Hunter Davies Prize of The Lakeland Book of the Year.

If you know of a book covering any aspect of life in the County of Cumbria published within the year January to December 2009 please enter it into this year’s Awards. The presentations will be made at a charity literary luncheon to be held on Tuesday, 6th July 2010 at Armathwaite Hall, Bassenthwaite Lake. The winner of each category will receive a cheque for £100 together with a framed certificate. The overall winner of the Hunter Davies Prize for the Lakeland Book of the Year will also receive a Cheque for £100 and a framed certificate. The panel of judges chaired by Hunter Davies decide under which award category each nominated book will be considered.

To enter please submit 4 copies of each book, along with the enclosed nomination form, no later than the 18 March 2010. Publishers and Authors wishing to make more than one nomination are very welcome to do so.

The deadline for submissions to this year’s competition is March 18 and you can get an entry form from Sheila Lindsay of Cumbria Tourism by emailing slindsay@cumbriatourism.org or by calling on 01539 825052.