Websites for readers

www.reader2reader.net (opens in a new window) - a new and exciting website with reader reviews and chat rooms.

www.bookbrowse.com (opens in a new window)

www.whichbook.net (opens in a new window) - an alternative way to choose books.

www.arcadiabooks.co.uk (opens in a new window) - the definitive website for British and European Black and Asian writers.

www.theshortstory.org.uk/introduction.html (opens in a new window) - Save Our Short Story campaign.

www.bookcrossing.com (opens in a new window) - a cult website for book lovers…it's that one where you leave books in strange places such as train stations!

www.twbooks.co.uk (opens in a new window) - a crime, mystery and fantasy fiction site.

www.readerville.com (opens in a new window) - this site is a readers' discussion forum.

www.encompassculture.com (opens in a new window) - is an excellent British Council website with links to readers and reading groups around the world, and lots of information on international contemporary writers. Online reader in residence and chat pages.

Publisher's websites

Here is a selection of publishers' websites. It is by no means exhaustive!

www.penguin.co.uk (opens in a new window) - once on the Penguin website please click on the Readers' group link.

www.harpercollins.co.uk (opens in a new window) and also their site for reading groups www.readinggroups.co.uk (opens in a new window) which includes reading guides and recommendations.

Hodder and Stoughton website - www.madaboutbooks.com (opens in a new window)

www.randomhouse.co.uk/ (opens in a new window) - another reader-centred site with links to author information, reading guides and events.

Faber and Faber website - www.faber.co.uk (opens in a new window)

www.orionbooks.co.uk (opens in a new window) - this website offers good reading guides.

www.readingcircle.co.uk (opens in a new window) - the new Hodder Headline website for readers and groups.

Also try searching to see if an author has a website of their own:

• www.maevebinchy.com (opens in a new window) 
• www.stephen-booth.com (opens in a new window)
• www.brookmyre.co.uk (opens in a new window) - Christopher Brookmyre
• www.bernardcornwell.net (opens in a new window)
• www.andrealevy.co.uk (opens in a new window) 
• www.terrypratchettbooks.com (opens in a new window)

Book prizes

www.orangeprize.co.uk (opens in a new window)
This is the leading prize for women writers from around the world - lots of information for libraries and readers' groups.

www.themanbookerprize.com (opens in a new window)Is open to British and Commonwealth writers.

www.costabookawards.com (opens in a new window)
This used to be the Whitbread prize - major award with different categories - novel, first novel, biography, children and an overall winner.

www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk (opens in a new window)Is a major children's author prize.

www.commonwealthwriters.com (opens in a new window)An annual award for writers from the Commonwealth.

www.forwardartsfoundation.org (opens in a new window)The Forward prize is a major poetry award.