It rewards fiction published by UK and Irish small presses, defined as those with fewer than five full-time employees.
The prize money – initially raised by crowdfunding and latterly augmented by sponsorship – is divided between the publishing house and the author.
[3] The following books were also longlisted for the prize:[4] The shortlist for the 2018 award was announced on 19 February 2018.
[6] The following books were also longlisted for the prize:[7] A special prize was awarded to Charles Boyle both publisher, as CB Editions, and, under the pseudonym Jack Robinson, author of An Overcoat: "The William Gass award for metafiction and for being the best person in publishing, like ever.
[9] The following books were also longlisted for the prize:[10] The shortlist for the 2020 award was announced on 26 February 2020.