As someone who, back in the mists of time, was a judge for the second edition of what is now the First Graphic Novel Award I can certainly attest to the intent and consideration that goes into one of the finest opportunities for aspiring comics talent in the UK. It has produced some astonishingly good books over the years, and its support for new voices in the medium runs parallel to our own ethos of championing up-and-coming artists here at Broken Frontier. This is a great chance to get your name out there. Even being long/shortlisted increases your profile significantly in the community. Full details in the press release below. Do not miss out.
The Cartoon Museum and publisher SelfMadeHero are delighted to announce that the 2025 First Graphic Novel Award will be open for submission between 9 January 2025 and 22 April 2025.
The 2025 First Graphic Novel Award is for all debut graphic novelists, 18 to 80 and beyond, who are resident in the UK, do not have an agent and have not had a full-length graphic work commercially published. They may be a single creator, or a team, or collaborating with someone who has a story to tell.
The winner will be offered a contract by SelfMadeHero to complete their book for publication and a £500 cash prize sponsored by The bks Agency.
The award is a partnership between the Cartoon Museum, the publisher SelfMadeHero, and First Graphic Novel Award director Corinne Pearlman. The First Graphic Novel Award is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The panel of judges includes SelfMadeHero publisher Emma Hayley, contemporary artist Janette Parris, and graphic novelists Shazleen Khan, Karrie Fransman and Oscar Zarate.
In addition to the judges’ comments, longlisted entries will be reviewed by literary agent James Spackman at The bks Agency and by chief book buyer Nessa Urquhart at Waterstones.
Emma Hayley, publisher, SelfMadeHero, says: ‘It’s a joy to be a part of graphic novel publishing in the UK, and the most exciting aspect about it is helping fledgling creators fulfil their vision. The quality and number of submissions for last year’s award is testament to the burgeoning pool of new talent in the UK. I am delighted that SelfMadeHero will be involved again.’
Joe Sullivan, director, The Cartoon Museum, says: ‘We’re delighted to be partners once again in the First Graphic Novel Award. The Museum has always championed support for emerging comic creators.’
James Spackman at The bks Agency says: ‘The work submitted last year was just astonishing to me in its variety, ambition and imagination. I can’t wait to see what the ‘25 prize submissions bring.’
The First Graphic Novel 2023 winner was Alex Taylor (aka azbt), whose Bone Broth novel will be published by SelfMadeHero in 2025.
