Eligibility & rules of entry

First awarded by the Wolfson Foundation in 1972, the Wolfson History Prize remains a beacon of the best historical writing being produced in the UK, reflecting both readability for a general audience and the highest quality writing and research.

Books are judged on the extent to which they are carefully researched, well-written and accessible to the non-specialist reader.

A shortlist of six books is announced, followed later by one overall winner.

The Wolfson History Prize is the most valuable history writing prize in the UK, with the winner receiving a total prize of £50,000, and the shortlisted authors receiving £5,000 each.

The prize is awarded by the Wolfson Foundation, an independent grant-making charity with a focus on research and education.

Please review the guidance on eligibility below before you make your submission.

Eligibility

The subject matter of the book may cover any aspect of history, including historical biography.
Books must be published in English in the UK within the qualifying period (between 1 January and 31 December for the following year’s prize).
The author shall be normally resident in the UK during the year of publication, defined as spending the majority of nights in the UK during the relevant year.
Provided that they meet the residency qualification, the author may be of any nationality.
Awards are not made posthumously.
The author must not be a previous winner of the prize. Previously shortlisted authors are eligible.
The following are not eligible:
1. multi-authored works
2. edited volumes
3. re-prints or revised editions
4. translations of books originally written in other languages
5. self-published works.
6. fiction
Where there are any doubts about eligibility, the prize administrator will seek clarity from the publisher. The chair of the judges’ decision on eligibility will be final.

Selection of books

Publishers are welcome to send copies of spring and autumn catalogues (all relevant imprints) for consideration by the judges when the submissions period is open.
Catalogues may only be submitted by the publisher. Individual authors may not submit their own books.
Catalogues should be submitted in electronic format, unless otherwise agreed.
The publisher may submit with the catalogues a list of up to six suggested books (per imprint) from the catalogues that the judges may wish to consider.
When sending recommendations, publishers should confirm that the books meet the eligibility criteria (above).
Catalogues should be received by the closing date, which will be communicated when submissions open.
On receipt of catalogues, the judges will select books to be considered and the prize administrator will then contact the publisher to request the selected titles.
The publisher will be asked to send copies to each of the judges and to the Wolfson Foundation office, and to complete a submission form for the selected titles.
The judges may request books where the publisher’s catalogues have not been originally submitted.
Requests for books will only be made by the Wolfson Foundation office.
Books should not be sent to the judges unless requested by the prize administrator.
Requested books and completed book submission forms should be received no later than the closing date for book submissions, which will be communicated when submissions open.
No books will be returned.

Any enquiries regarding submissions should be directed to us by email (opens an draft email with address populated).

Promotion and publicity

In the event of a book being shortlisted, the publisher agrees to:

1. Contribute 40 print copies and one electronic copy of the book to be used by the Wolfson Foundation for promoting the book and the prize.
2. Supply book synopsis, author biography, high-resolution colour photographs of the author and book cover cleared for perpetual, royalty-free use for any media and publicity associated with the prize.
3. Provide any other communications materials requested to support the shortlist and winner campaign, such as extracts and images.
4. Issue a press release about the book(s) being shortlisted, in liaison with the Wolfson Foundation’s office.
5. Secure the attendance of the author at the event announcing the winner, which will be held in central London.
6. Where possible make the author available for activities to promote the prize e.g. events, interviews and other promotional activities, as and if they are arranged.
7. Acknowledge the prize on subsequent reprints, including paperback editions.
The winning title must acknowledge the Wolfson History Prize on the cover, rear or dust jacket on subsequent reprints, including paperback editions.
All press releases, proposed logo usage and name credits should be agreed with the Wolfson Foundation.

Enquiries

Any enquiries regarding eligibility and rules of entry should be directed to us by email (opens a draft email with address populated).