Author Richard Osman, Pan Macmillan CEO Joanna Prior and author and founder of the Business Book Awards Lucy McCarraher are among those named on the 2026 New Year Honours list.
This year, 1,157 recipients have been named on the King’s honours list, which the palace said this year placed a “particular focus on those who have gone above and beyond for their communities”.
Prior, who joined Pan Macmillan as CEO in 2022 after 23 years at Penguin, has been awarded an OBE for services to publishing and literacy, while Osman has also been awarded an OBE for services to literature and broadcasting.
She said: “Authors and illustrators have always been the heartbeat of my career. Everything I have done in publishing has been driven by a simple goal: to champion their creativity and bring their stories and ideas to the widest audience possible.
“Books have shaped how I see the world, and I want everyone – regardless of background or circumstances – to experience the joy that can be found within their pages.
“The publishing industry continues to thrive because of the committed, curious and generous people who work within it, and it is a great privilege to work alongside colleagues and friends who inspire me every day. I continue to learn constantly – about the world, about other people, about how to grow a sustainable business and find new readers – and I feel deeply fortunate to have a job that is so endlessly absorbing and rewarding.”
Elsewhere in the book industry, McCarraher has been awarded an MBE for services to publishing and to diversity. She is also the co-founder of Rethink Press and recently launched Book Magic AI, an AI-supported book writing app.
McCarraher said: “When the letter first arrived detailing this honour, I stared at it in complete disbelief. I had to read it a couple of times to make sure it was real. And then, when it sank in, I felt a wave of astonishment, gratitude and emotion.
“This honour isn’t just about me. It’s about a movement. The importance of championing diverse voices with the support, community and confidence to step into authorship and share their extraordinary expertise. Thank you to everyone who has collaborated with me and amplified this message. Books truly have the power to change the world.”
Maths teacher, broadcaster and writer Bobby Seagull has also been awarded an MBE for services to public libraries. David Robinson, the co-founder of a number of projects, including the Discover Children’s Story Centre in London has been awarded a Knighthood for services to social innovation.
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