Costa Book Awards 2009 Shortlists Revealed

Costa, the UK's fastest-growing coffee shop chain, has announced the shortlists for the 2009 Costa Book Awards.
The Costa Book Awards recognise the most enjoyable books in five categories - First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children's Book - published in the last year by writers based in the UK and Ireland.
This year's Costa Book Awards attracted 592 entries - the second highest-ever number of submissions in one year.

Announced live tonight on BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme, this year's lists include Hilary Mantel, Colm Tóibín, Clive James, William Fiennes and Penelope Lively.
Full details here