Author Richard Osman and Pan Macmillan CEO Joanna Prior were awarded OBEs in the U.K.'s New Year's Honours list, the Bookseller reported. Osman's award was for services to literature and broadcasting, and Prior's was for services to publishing and literacy.
Prior said in part, "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."
Among the 1,155 other honours recipients were Lucy McCarraher, author and founder of the Business Book Awards, who was awarded an MBE for services to publishing and to diversity. She is also the co-founder of Rethink Press and Book Magic AI, an AI-supported book writing app.
McCarraher said in part, "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."
Math teacher, broadcaster, and writer Bobby Seagull was awarded an MBE for services to public libraries, and David Robinson, co-founder of the Discover Children's Story Centre, was awarded a knighthood for services to social innovation.
The Bookseller noted that arts awards recipients included Wicked star and author Cynthia Erivo, who received an MBE for services to music and drama; actor Idris Elba, who was awarded a knighthood for services to young people; and actor and comedian Meera Syal, who was awarded a damehood for services to literature, drama, and charity.