We're kicking off 2026 with something special: introducing the Writers' Prize shortlisted writers. Over the next few weeks, we'll be bringing you closer to these brilliant voices, sharing readings from the work that made our shortlist. Each writer has carved out their own unique space on the page – prepare to be impressed!
First up we have Javaria Akbar and Emma Conally-Barklem.
Javaria Akbar
Javaria Akbar is British Asian freelance food writer and mum of three. She grew up in Bradford to Pakistani immigrant parents but now lives in Surrey. She has a masters in magazine journalism and has contributed to Vice, Refinery29, The Pool, Hyphen, Delish and more, alongside content writing and blogging.
Ingredients
When introvert Imaan is widowed after an arranged marriage, she is forced to come out of her shell and ends up falling for her divorced brother-in-law Veed.
Instagram @curryology
Emma Conally-Barklem
Emma Conally-Barklem is an author, poet and yoga teacher based in Yorkshire. Emma won the Black in White Poetry Prize 2024. She is the author of three pamphlets. She was a core poet for the BBC’s Contains Strong Language Poetry Festival 2025 and a guest on Radio 4’s Front Row. Emma won the First Chapter Award 2025. Yoga Homicide is her first novel.
Yoga Homicide
Three queer modern women, one ancient spiritual practice, who holds the knife? Less Eat, Pray, Love, more watch your back and be careful what you wish for. Spiritual when wearing the right brands, Yoga Homicide is pacy, sexy and ultimately deadly. In a world where you can be anything, be ruthless.
Contact Emma:
Email: emmaliveyoga@gmail.com
Instagram @emmaliveyoga
We hope you enjoyed listening to our first Shortlist Session writers as much as we did! Next week, we’ll hear from two more.
If you’d like to find out more about how we help writers, do get in touch at info@thebookedit.co.uk, or browse our website for more information on our services. And hit the button below if you want to be informed about the 2026 Writers’ Prize.
