Eight debut authors are in the running for the 14th edition of the Prix des Rendez-vous du premier roman, a literary prize that will be awarded between 2026 and 2027. The shortlisted books include The Cogewalkers by Bartabas (Gallimard), Black Pill by Julien Chavanes (Plon), Hotel Paris by Théodore Eristavi (Flammarion), The Child of the Winds of the Faroe Islands by Aurélien Gautherie (Noir sur blanc), Fight by Emilia Petrakis (Les Avrils), The Girl of the Hill by Sevin Sahin (Philippe Rey), Abdallah Superstar by Iman Ahmed (Actes Sud), and Come Élie by Jonas Sollberger (Minuit). A separate shortlist of Quebec authors was announced earlier this year. The Prix des Rendez-vous du premier roman has, for 14 years, honored two debut authors annually—one from Canada and one from the Francophone world outside Canada. The selection process involves collaboration with Lectures Plurielles, the organization behind the Chambéry First Novel Festival in France. The shortlist of Quebec debut authors is available at a specific website. The Rendez-vous du premier roman is more than just a prize; it is a network of reading clubs that focus on first novels written in French. This initiative allows readers to explore new authors, discuss their favorite books, and engage in debates about literature. It also gives readers a chance to support emerging writers and help them gain recognition. The collaboration between France and Canada in promoting debut novels began with the Chambéry First Novel Festival itself. This event is supported by the Lectures Plurielles association, and the Lire pour réussir Foundation and the UNEQ work alongside them to make the prize possible. The two winners will participate in the 2027 edition of the Chambéry First Novel Festival. The Quebec winner will also receive a 1000 € scholarship from the UNEQ and attend a meeting at the Gaston-Miron - Quebec Studies Library in Paris. Last year's winners were Sébastien Dulude for Amiante (La Peuplade) and Claire Mathot for La Saison du silence (Actes Sud).