The Costa Book Awards honour some of the most outstanding books of the year written by authors based in the UK and Ireland. There are five categories – First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children’s Book – with one of the five winners chosen as Book of the Year, announced at an awards ceremony in London every January.

The Costa Short Story Award was launched in 2012. Although under the umbrella of the Costa Book Awards, it’s judged separately and the winner is voted for by the general public.