The annual Lakeland Book of the Year competition has released its shortlist for 2024.

With less than three weeks before the winner is announced, writers are vying to succeed last year's champion, the talented photographer and writer Amy Bateman.

In its 40th year, the awards welcome both new and seasoned writers, and the only prerequisite is that submissions must in some way feature Cumbria.

This year's entries illustrate the wide range of the county's literary prowess.

Spanning across various genres and specialities, including local history, nature, politics, and even crime thrillers, this year's submissions have been meticulously broken down to a shortlist of 18.

These finalists are now readying themselves for the award ceremony in Kendal on July 9, where they will compete for top honours in front of an audience.

Leading the judging panel is Fiona Armstrong, the experienced broadcaster.

Alongside her, director of the Wordsworth Trust Michael McGregor and established author Kathleen Jones will be deciding on the victors.

Commenting on this year's competition, head judge Ms Armstrong said: "This year has been exceptional in terms of quality and interest.

"What a time we have had deciding on the winners!

"You think it cannot get any better - and each year it does."

Fellow judge Ms Jones added: "There are some big names on the shortlist this year, including best-selling authors living in the Lake District.

"It's also wonderful to have such varied subject matter - from politics and history, to crime writing and personal stories.

"Judging the award is a joy!"

A particularly exciting addition this year is the special Children's Poem of the Year category, which has both primary and secondary school sections.

Taking charge of this is Rachel Laverack, chair of the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE).

The 2024 awards campaign is also supporting Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Fund.

This initiative focuses on fostering and aiding young people within the county, helping to ignite their training and careers in the competitive tourism and hospitality sectors.

Kendal's Castle Green Hotel will play host to the 2024 Lakeland Book of the Year Awards on Tuesday, July 9.

Those looking to support the local talent and witness the thrilling competition can still purchase tickets.

The Lakeland Book of the Year Shortlist 2024

The Bill Rollinson Association Prize for Landscape and Tradition

An Illustrated History of Maryport - John Higham

Pedestrian Pleasures: A Short History of Walking in the Lake District - Graham Kilner

Rural - Rebecca Smith

The Bookends Prize for People and Business

A Newt in Hard Tarn - Derek Cockell

Politics on the Edge - Rory Stewart

Why We Run - Danielle Ledbury

The Gilpin Prize for Fiction

Silent Bones - Rachel Lynch

The Bay - Julia Rampen

The Cottage - Paula Hillman

The Latitude Press Prize for Illustration & Presentation

Cook Out - Harrison Ward

Sketching A Year in Lakeland – Liz Wakelin

The Lake District: A Watercolour Journey - PL Hobbs

The Wordsworth Prize for Literature and Poetry

All My Wild Mothers - Victoria Bennett

Gwen John: A Life in Sonnets - Steve Matthews

Some of Us Just Fall - Polly Atkin

The Zeffirellis Prize for Guides & Places

A Literary Walking Tour of Carlisle - Dr P. Bradshaw

Brewers Loop - Beth and Steve Pipe

The Scafells: A Grand Tour - Guy Richardson