A new award celebrating the best audiobooks and audio drama has been launched by The Bookseller and sister publication The Stage.

Recognising the growing popularity of the audio format, The British Audio Awards or ‘Speakies’ aim to champion quality storytelling and performance, reward creativity and innovation, and recognise the writers, narrators and producers that are shaping the industry.

A host of high-profile judges made up of authors, reviewers, broadcasters and tv presenters have drawn up the shortlists for the 17 categories, which include Best Audiobook: Children’s Books and Best Audiobook: Young Adult Books.

Commenting on the inaugural shortlists, Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller, said: ‘Audio is making a noise and it deserves to. The combination of great writing, with great acting, with great production is written all over these shortlists, and it is an absolute delight to be recognising and, yes, amplifying all the talents at these inaugural awards. The quality of this shortlist surely puts to rest the argument that listening is not on a par with reading.’

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Royal Opera House’ Linbury Theatre on 24th November.

Best Audiobook: Children’s Books

Bunny vs Monkey by Jamie Smart, narrated by Ciaran Saward (Bolinda)

Choose Your Own Evolution by Jules Howard, narrated by Glen McCready (Nosy Crow)

Hamza’s Wild World written and narrated by Hamza Yassin (Pan Macmillan)

Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Making Enemies by Louie Stowell, narrated by Ben Willbond (WF Howes)

Miffy Story Time Collection by Dick Bruna, narrated by Hannah Melbourn (Yoto)

Skandar and the Skeleton Curse by AF Steadman, narrated by David Dawson (Simon & Schuster Audio UK)

Best Audiobook: Young Adult Books