Drysalter, the Forward prize winning collection by Michael Symmons Roberts, that has already been placed on the TS Eliot prize shortlist, has now made the Costa prize shortlist as well. The Costa prize has five categories – first novel, novel, biography, poetry, and children’s book.  The category winners are announced on 6 January 2014, and the overall winner on 28 January. Also on the Costa poetry shortlist are Clive James’s translation of Dante’s The Divine Comedy;  Helen Mort (Division Street); and Robin Robertson (Hill of Doors).  

Background: Michael Symmons Roberts wins top Forward prize  

PHOTOGRAPH: GREG FREEMAN /  WRITE OUT LOUD