The Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the English language, recognizing outstanding works of non-fiction. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the prize, its history, eligibility criteria, judging process, and past winners.

History of the Prize

The Samuel Johnson Prize was established in 1999 by the Broadcasting Support Services Trust (BSST), a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting the production of radio and television programs. The prize is named after Samuel Johnson, the renowned 18th-century English writer and lexicographer.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Samuel Johnson Prize, a book must meet the following criteria:

• Be written in English
• Be a work of non-fiction
• Be published in the United Kingdom
• Have a significant and original contribution to the field of non-fiction
• Be accessible to a general readership

Judging Process

The Samuel Johnson Prize is judged by a panel of distinguished writers, academics, and journalists. The judges consider the following criteria when evaluating submissions:

• Originality: The book must present new and insightful perspectives on a particular topic or subject.
• Scholarship: The book must be well-researched and demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter.
• Writing: The book must be clear, engaging, and accessible to a wide audience.
• Impact: The book should have a significant impact on the understanding of the subject matter or the wider world.

Past Winners

The Samuel Johnson Prize has been awarded to a wide range of non-fiction works, including biographies, memoirs, history, and science. Some notable past winners include:

• 2022: The Forgotten Girls: Britain's Lost Children of the Second World War by Joanna Foat
• 2021: In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Liptrot
• 2020: The Moth and the Mountain: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Endurance by Ed Caesar
• 2019: The Cut Out Girl: A Story of War and Family, Lost and Found by Bart van Es

Significance of the Prize

The Samuel Johnson Prize is highly regarded in the literary world and is considered one of the most prestigious awards for non-fiction writing. It has helped to raise the profile of non-fiction as a literary genre and has played a significant role in encouraging and rewarding excellence in non-fiction writing.

Tips for Submitting a Successful Entry

To increase your chances of being shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, consider the following tips:

• Write an original and impactful book that makes a significant contribution to the field of non-fiction.
• Conduct thorough research and ensure your work is well-supported by evidence.
• Craft a well-written and engaging narrative that appeals to a wide audience.
• Carefully proofread your manuscript before submitting it.
• Be prepared to discuss your work and its significance in an interview with the judges.

Statistics

In its first 23 years, the Samuel Johnson Prize has received over 8,000 submissions. The average number of submissions per year has increased from 300 in the early years to over 500 in recent years.

The prize has been awarded to 23 different authors, including 13 women and 10 men.

Tables

Table 1: Past Winners of the Samuel Johnson Prize

Table 2: Number of Submissions to the Samuel Johnson Prize

Table 3: Gender Distribution of Samuel Johnson Prize Winners

Call to Action

If you are an author of a non-fiction work that meets the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to submit your work for consideration for the Samuel Johnson Prize. The deadline for submissions for the 2023 prize is June 30, 2023.

For more information about the Samuel Johnson Prize, visit the official website: www.thesamueljohnsonprize.co.uk