
awards (including Whitbread Book Awards)
Awards are honors given to recognize excellence in a particular field. The Whitbread Book Awards, now known as the Costa Book Awards, specifically celebrate outstanding British and Irish literature across genres like fiction, poetry, and children's books. They aim to highlight and promote quality writing, offering writers visibility, credibility, and sometimes financial prizes. Such awards help readers discover notable works and support authors’ careers, while also elevating the status of the best in literary achievement. Overall, awards serve as a mark of distinction, encouraging high standards and fostering appreciation for literary excellence.