Waterstones announces shortlist for 2026 Book of the Year award

The Bookseller reported that British book retailer Waterstones has revealed its shortlist for the Waterstones Book of the Year 2026. The list features several debut authors alongside previously recognized writers, including Maggie O’Farrell, Elizabeth Strout, Douglas Stuart, and Robert Macfarlane. [1]

According to The Bookseller, Maggie O’Farrell makes the shortlist with Land, published by Headline. She previously won the prize in 2020 with her novel Hamnet. Elizabeth Strout is shortlisted for her Booker-shortlisted novel Things We Never Say, published by Viking. [1]

The shortlist also includes Booker-nominee Douglas Stuart for his book John of John, published by Picador. Debut writer Rebecca Perry is featured for May We Feed the King, published by Granta, which is also shortlisted for the Booker Prize and won the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize. [1]

Waterstones was founded in November 1982 by Tim Waterstone, who opened the inaugural store in London. As of 2025, the retail chain operates 316 shops, primarily across the United Kingdom, and is owned by the American investment group Elliott Investment Management. [9][11]