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The Booker Prize longlist for 2026 has landed, bringing together 13 new novels that range from intimate domestic tales to expansive speculative fiction. The selection reunites past winners with fresh voices and several debut authors, promising a lively run-up to the shortlist and the final award in November.
What stands out on this year’s list
The list blends established names with newcomers. Two previous Booker winners return, and one acclaimed novelist earns a third nomination.
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- Returnees: Two authors who have won the Booker Prize before are back on the longlist.
- Veteran nominee: A celebrated writer receives a third nod for their latest book.
- Debut voices: Three first-time novelists appear among the 13 entries.
Judges’ perspective on the selection
Mary Beard, chair of the 2026 judging panel, praised the writers for their command of language and the imaginative journeys their books create. The judges highlighted works that offer new angles on familiar themes and challenge readers’ expectations.
How the Booker Prize works and the timeline ahead
The Booker is awarded to a single novel written in English and published in the U.K. or Ireland during the eligibility year.
- The eligibility window runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
- Six shortlisted authors will each receive £2,500.
- The winner, to be revealed at a ceremony in London on Nov. 9, will take home £50,000.
Last year’s prize went to a notable author for a novel that drew attention across the literary world.
Full 2026 Booker Prize longlist
Thirteen books are in contention. Titles and authors are listed below.
- The Shadow of the Object, Chloe Aridjis
- Switzy, Emma Cline
- Helen of Nowhere, Makenna Goodman
- The End of Everything, M. John Harrison
- The Disappearers, Marlon James
- Black Bag, Luke Kennard
- The Renovation, Kenan Orhan
- May We Feed the King, Rebecca Perry
- The Palm House, Gwendoline Riley
- The Things We Never Say, Elizabeth Strout
- John of John, Douglas Stuart
- All Them Dogs, Djamel White
- The Vivisectors, Missouri Williams
Authors to watch and what they bring
Many entries promise distinct approaches to narrative and theme.
- Past winners bring reputations and expectations.
- Established novelists offer refinements of voice and craft.
- Debut writers introduce fresh perspectives and risks.
What comes next for these titles
The longlist will be whittled down to six authors for the shortlist. That announcement will narrow the field ahead of the November final. Publishers, booksellers and readers will be watching sales and awards buzz as the competition tightens.
