29th May, 2025

Kathryn Bevis shortlisted for the Seamus Heaney Prize

Kathryn Bevis’ debut collection The Butterfly House has been shortlisted for the Seamus Heaney First Collection Prize 2025.

Judged this year by Fiona Benson, Professor Fran Brearton and Dr. Dawn Watson, the shortlist is made up of six debut collections each published in 2024. Of the shortlist, they say: “All three judges were impressed by the formal range and quality of debuts submitted. The shortlisted books each offer something unique and highly original, taking on urgent subjects in ways we found authentic and moving.”

The Butterfly House was published in March 2024 shortly before Kathryn sadly passed away. We are delighted that her work continues to be celebrated and discovered by new readers.

The winner of the Seamus Heaney First Collection Prize will be announced at an award ceremony on 23 June.