27 April 2026 – The winner of the fifth annual Rooker Prize – encouraging new voices in writing – has been announced.
Primary school teacher Claire Lincoln Gordon, originally from Eastbourne and now based in Cheltenham, takes this year’s prize with her engaging 400-word opening to middle-grade fantasy novel, ‘The Drift’. Her entry captivated judges with its pace, depth and multi-layered storytelling.
An unpublished writer of children’s and young adult fiction, Claire entered the Rooker Prize as part of her ongoing mission to secure a publishing deal. The competition, designed to open doors for emerging talent, proved perfectly timed.
Her writing journey began at bedtime, inspired by a question from her young son:
“He asked me one night, ‘How are books made?’
I said, ‘Someone has to write them.’
To which he replied, ‘Well, can’t you make one?’”
Claire laughed it off at first, saying, “it’s a bit more complicated than that” but the moment stayed with her.
“And I thought, if I try and fail, I’ll still have shown my children something. That was six or seven years ago.”
Since then, she has documented her path to publication on Instagram, building a following as she works towards a published book.
“This couldn’t have come at a better time,” she said, on receiving the news. “I’m so grateful. I’ve never won a trophy before – I feel completely overwhelmed.”
As the winner, Claire receives a one-to-one session with an expert editor at Hachette UK, a prize designed to help launch her publishing career, as well as £250 to give to a charity of her choice.
Industry Support
Maura Wilding, Group Communications Director at Hachette UK, said: “We’re proud to support the Rooker Prize. We love to open doors, spotlight new voices, and prove that great stories can come from. Claire’s work is a brilliant example of that, and we’re excited to support her next steps. Congratulations to Claire and all the entrants.”
Highly Commended Writers
The judges also recognised two outstanding entries:
• Diana Wilkins’ ‘Terra Nova’, was praised for its confident and assured voice
• Jo McClean’s ‘The Debenture Holder’, left the panel intrigued and wanting more
Judges on the Prize
Author Georgia Byng said:
“Judging the Rooker is a joy. It’s a privilege to see new writers bring characters and worlds to life on the page.”
Writer and journalist Paul Hayward added:
“Respect to everyone who followed the urge to write. The Rooker Prize is a beacon of creative effort.”
The prize is chaired by Baroness Lola Young, with a judging panel that also includes journalist and author Suzy Wrack, Emad Akhtar (Publishing Director at Orion Fiction), and author Mark Crick.
Growing Reach
Prize convener and founder Karen Dobres noted the competition’s continued growth:
“With 82 entries this year, the Rooker Prize is going from strength to strength. It was inspired by Lewes FC’s spirit of creativity and inclusion, and we’re delighted to offer every entrant a complimentary ticket to a Lewes FC match next season – men’s or women’s. We’re very grateful to our sponsors Hachette UK, and also for support from independent book shop Much Ado Books in Alfriston.”
Giving Back
Claire has chosen to donate her £250 charity prize to Winston’s Wish, which supports children and young people experiencing grief.