Annual Rooker Prize announces Lewes-based wellness brand as sponsor
A competition for unpublished writers, The Rooker Prize, has announced Ancient + Brave as sponsor for 2027, alongside two free workshops.
The annual event asks entrants to submit the opening 400 words of a novel or memoir, and is open to anyone who has not yet been published. Prize convenor Karen Dobres, a former Lewes FC director, said: “The aim is simple: to democratise book-writing by lowering the barriers that so often stop people starting at all.” She added: “The Rooker is free to enter, and asks for just your opener”.
Kate Prince, founder and chief executive of Ancient + Brave, said: “Putting pen to paper takes real bravery.” She added that the prize captures the company’s spirit by asking for just 400 words.
The prize, which began at Lewes FC in 2022 and is named after the club’s nickname, The Rooks, is also backed by publisher Hachette UK, which provides a session with an expert editor at its London headquarters. The winner also receives £250 to donate to a charity of their choice and a hand-carved wooden trophy.
Last year’s winner, Claire Lincoln Gordon, said winning had led to interest from agents and that she had since signed with one.
Baroness Lola Young, former chair of the Booker Prize, chairs the judging panel.
Two workshops on starting a novel or memoir will be held at Lewes Castle on Wednesday, November 18, from 6pm to 8pm, and on Sunday, November 29, from 3pm to 5pm. The events will be recorded and shared online, with booking available via Eventbright.
The prize opens for entries on January 1, 2027, and the winner will be announced on April 27, 2027.