We’re thrilled to welcome two exceptional publishing professionals to this year’s judging panel, readers with sharp editorial instincts, deep industry insight and a shared passion for discovering bold new voices.
Hayley Steed is Literary Agent at Janklow & Nesbit UK, one of the UK’s leading agencies. After seven years at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency and earlier experience in book publicity, Hayley joined Janklow & Nesbit in 2023, where she now represents an eclectic and successful roster of authors, including Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling names. She’s been recognised within the UK book trade as both a Trailblazer and a Rising Star, and she champions fresh storytelling across commercial and book club fiction, always with an eye for distinctive voice and narrative momentum.
What excites me most about the First Novel Prize is finding an engaging voice: a writer who pulls me in from the first line, keeps me compelled with their characters, and pushes on my emotions too.
Sally Williamson is Editorial Director at Transworld, part of Penguin Random House UK. The publisher of Sunday Times bestselling authors Jilly Cooper, Jacqueline Wilson and Karen Swan, she has also acquired the debut novels from authors such as Clare Pooley, BA Paris and Alice Feeney. With deep experience in UK publishing, Sally is known for her strategic editorial judgement and her ability to nurture authors and acquire books that resonate widely with readers.
In the First Novel Prize,
I’d love to find writers who have an instantly engaging, unique voice; stories that speak to the truth of our lives in a new and exciting way; plus unforgettable characters and page-turning pace.
Together, Hayley and Sally bring a powerful combination of agent and editor perspectives to the First Novel Prize, the writing competition championing originality, emotional depth and writing that truly connects.
We can’t wait to see the stories they uncover this year.