There are now three prizes awarded by the Biographers’ Club:

The Tony Lothian Biographers' Club Prize

Antonella, Marchioness of Lothian, OBE (1922-2007) – always known as Tony – was a champion of many causes. The most far-sighted and inspired was her vision and subsequent organisation of The Woman of the Year Lunch, founded with Odette Hallowes and Georgina Coleridge in 1955 and which continues to flourish today. She was also a current affairs columnist on the Scottish Daily Express and a broadcaster and television presenter. Her proudest achievement, however, was her biography of Valentina Tereshkova, First Woman in Space, which was initiated by their shared values and close friendship. Writing was her passion and, for Tony, biography was its most potent form: ‘A means to shedding a perceptive light on personalities and the events they were part of.’ It was the perfect foil for her irrepressible curiosity about human nature and the narrative of history.

Tony Lothian was a steadfast advocate of talented writers of all ages and backgrounds, and we are delighted to rename our annual prize for first-time biographers ‘The Tony Lothian Biographers’ Club Prize’, which was made possible through the generous gift of her family. See below for details of eligibility and how to apply.

Click here for details of previous winners

The 2010 Prize for Best First Biography

This prize will be awarded to the best first biography in any biography genre by an author, as judged by our panel of judges. Only entries submitted by publishers will be accepted for consideration. To qualify, books must have a publication date between 3rd September 2009 and 2nd September 2010. All books must be submitted no later later than Friday 30th July 5 pm. To apply, please contact: Susan Ronald, secretary@biographersclub.co.uk

The Judges for the Best First Biography 2010 are: Lady Antonia Fraser, Anne Chisholm and Roland Chambers (Winner of the 2009 Best First Biography Prize).

The Biographers' Club 2010 Prize for Services to Biography

This prize will be awarded to a person or persons who have shown outstanding services to biography during their career. For nominations, please email: secretary@biographersclub.co.uk

The Prize is open to uncommissioned, first-time writers working on a biography. Applicants should complete an entry form and submit a proposal of no more than 20 pages, including a synopsis and 10-page sample chapter (double-spaced, numbered pages), CV, a note on the market for the book and competing literature, to the Prize Administrator:

Anna Swan, anna@annaswan.co.uk or by post to 119A Fordwych Road, London NW2 3NJ.

The deadline for entries is 1 August 2010. All entries are subject to the terms and conditions on the entry form. Please note that only the shortlisted entrants will be contacted regarding the prize-giving event on 21 October.

 The judges for the Tony Lothian Biographers' Club Prize are Matthew Parris, Kate Williams and Benjamin Buchan. 

You can apply by downloading and filling out the Prize Entry Form below: (if you are paying online, once you have completed the Prize Application Form, enter your 'Full Name', and click on the 'Pay Now' button.

Prize Entry Form

Full Name

If you are a UK taxpayer, could you please fill in the Gift Aid form:

Gift Aid Declaration Form

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