Important Dates
Our timeline for the 2023-34 cycle can be found below, which includes all the main events throughout the year.
Please note that some dates may change due to unexpected circumstances, although we will let participating schools know as soon as possible, should this occur.
22 Sep 2023
Deadline for applications to join our shortlisting panels
09 Oct 2023
Shortlisting panel training session
12 Oct 2023
Deadline for publisher book submissions
21 Nov 2023
Spark! introductory session for new schools (4pm)
01 Dec 2023
Initial deadline to sign up for the 2023-24 Spark! Book Awards
12 Books of Christmas (longlists) revealed from this date
15 Dec 2023
Extended sign up deadline
22 Jan 2024
Shortlists revealed
05 Feb - 08 Mar 2024
Poetry competition
11 Mar - 03 May 2024
Online author visits (the full schedule is available on the individual category pages)
25 Mar - 10 Jun 2024
Main competitions
20 May - 21 Jun 2024
Voting period
05 Jul 2024
Online award ceremony (2pm)