The shortlist for the inaugural Polari First Book Prize was announced last Monday night at the Southbank Centre. 

The five shortlisted books are - 

‘Love, Hope & High Heels’ - Clare Campbell (Tollington Press)

‘Autofellatio’ - James Maker (BIGFib)

‘Homo Jihad’ - Timothy Graves (Paradise Press)

‘Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar’ - DJ Connell (Blue Door/Harper Collins)

‘London Triptych’ - Jonathan Kemp (Myriad Editions)

Of the five books, the first is a poetry collection, the second a memoir and the remaining three novels. 

Three of the five books are from small independent presses, while one  - ‘Autofellatio’ - was self-published as an ebook before finding a publisher.

Judges for the prize are Suzi Feay, literary critic, broadcaster and blogger; Rachel Holmes, Head of Literature and Spoken Word at the Southbank Centre; Fiona McMorrough, Founder and CEO of FMcM Associates; Joe Storey-Scott, books buyer at Prowler; and yours truly. 

We all agreed that the shortlist reflects both the wealth and range of queer literary talent and the changing face of publishing today. 

The winner will be announced at the Polari 4th Birthday on Nov 21, at the Southbank Centre.

To comment on the list, please visit the Polari First Book Prize group page on Facebook.