The Costa Book Award is an annual literary prize in the United Kingdom that celebrates outstanding books across various categories. Established in 1971, it recognizes works in five main categories: First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry, and Children's Book. The awards aim to promote and reward authors for their contributions to literature. Winners are selected by a panel of judges and announced in January each year. The overall winner is then chosen from the category winners and receives an additional cash prize. The Costa Book Award is highly regarded in the literary community and encourages reading and appreciation of contemporary literature.