Welcome!

Patron Emeritus: Frederick Forsyth CBE

Former RAF pilot and investigative journalist, master storyteller, Frederick Forsyth CBE wishes to do anything he can to encourage writers to have a go. Mr. Forsyth believes he can do that in a practical way in his capacity of Patron of The People’s Book Prize. The author of The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File and multiple best sellers wishes to encourage authors to pursue a career in writing that will prove long and successful. “The good news is that book reading keeps on growing” says Frederick Forsyth.

His novels are true thrillers that have become film classics with unanimous international praise: The Afghan “…a story as fresh as tomorrow’s headlines…all told with a pace and panache that demands that you never put it down” Daily Mail. “An imagination and talent which shows little sign of abating.” Daily Express. “One of the world’s best thriller writers.” Wall Street Journal. “When it comes to espionage, international intrigue and suspense, Frederick Forsyth is a master.” Washington Post.

The Cobra, published in 2010, features some of the characters previously featured in Avenger, and has as its subject an attempt to destroy the world trade in cocaine. The Kill List was published on 2013 and it has been announced that Rupert Sanders would be directing the film version. On 10 September 2015, Forsyth’s autobiography, The Outsider: My Life in Intrigue, was published and became a best seller. In January 2018 great news that Mr. Forsyth would publish his eighteenth novel, a thriller about computer hackers, inspired by the Lauri Love and Gary McKinnon stories.

H.M. The Queen appointed him a Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE in 1997 for services to literature. Recipient of multiple awards to include the Cartier Diamond Dagger (2012) by the Crime Writers Association.

Frederick Forsyth CBE is a radio broadcaster, a journalist and a great supporter of charity. The People’s Book Prize are grateful and privileged to have him as their Patron since 2010.

 

Founder and Prize Administrator: Tatiana Wilson

Tatiana came up with the idea for The People’s Book Prize as it is her ambition that new authors are given equal opportunity in the marketplace, based purely on their talent and ability. Tatiana recalls how lucky she feels to have had the support and encouragement of the late Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE.

Giving people the opportunity to become the judges they are empowered to choose the next best sellers by buying, commenting and voting for their favourites. Totally democratic.

www.peoplesbookprize.com should be the first ‘port of call’ for anyone wanting to read or give a book: A perfect vehicle to discover writers’ talent voted by the public, raise the profile of libraries and celebrate reading. The readers are not only helping to discover new and undiscovered titles but they are helping preserve and expand the publishing industry to prosper and accept new work from aspiring authors and give employment in what could be a diminishing industry.
Being published does not necessarily mean being read!

 

DIRECTOR, THE PEOPLE’S BOOK PRIZE LTD: JULIE HYDE MEW

JULIE HYDE MEW is a Journalist and TV Producer, originally from South Africa and now based in the UK.   She specialised in covering wildlife conservation stories and environmental issues on national TV news, and for various magazine and current affairs programmes.   She was also a Radio News Presenter on a national radio station, and a News Anchor on a national TV channel. 

After moving to the UK, Julie worked on the BBC World News TV channel and for Sky News in London, specialising in Foreign News.  During the first Covid lockdown, she launched a children’s Youtube channel, called ‘Womack’s Wonderful World of Children’s Stories’.  During the second lockdown, Julie also co-wrote, directed and co-edited a short film called ‘Scootch’, which was filmed over three days with a cast and crew who had never met each other except on Zoom!  The film went on to win several international film awards. 

Following the success of the film, Julie teamed up with the Producer Melanie Perry to co-found CR38IVES, a professional networking group for people working in the creative industries.  Julie has been supportive of The People’s Book Prize ever since its inception in 2011, and was appointed a Director in January 2023.   

Founding Patron: Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE

Dame Beryl Bainbridge, who died in London on 2 July 2010, was The People’s Book Prize’s Founding Patron. This famous personality in the literary world is greatly missed and remains an inspiration to us all. Dame Beryl’s great support to The People’s Book Prize has been of immense value to us. In recognition to Dame Beryl, The People’s Book Prize created The Beryl Bainbridge First Time Author Award. We will always treasure her as our Founding Patron — The People’s Book Prize is a tribute to Dame Beryl and her legacy.

Her warm words at The People’s Book Prize launch at London Book Fair on 2009 will continue to guide us forward.
“Something like this, this idea – which is absolutely amazing – once it takes off, it will be of enormous importance to writers. I look forward to the time when we mention this particular prize as the greatest – and look back – and remember I was at the meeting at the London Book Fair and think where it has gone! So I wish it tremendously good luck.”

A renowned novelist, doyenne of British literature and best-selling author, Dame Beryl Bainbridge was and remains a household name. A brilliant writer, famous for stories of working-class families, compact historical novels, short stories and non-fiction. Bainbridge’s last work at the time of her death, The Girl in the Polka Dot Dress, was published by Little Brown on 2011.
In 2000, H.M The Queen appointed her Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). During her illustrious career, Dame Beryl won multiple awards including the Whitbread novel award twice and was nominated five times for the Booker Prize. In June 2001, Bainbridge was awarded an honorary degree by the Open University as Doctor of the University.
Several of her novels have been made into films. Her experiences in the theatre formed the basis of An Awfully Big Adventure, with Hugh Grant starring in the film. Many others followed, including Sweet William and The Dressmaker.