25th June 2008
Close of entries
28th November 2008
Shortlists announced in all five categories (First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry, Children's Book)
Mid-December 2008 (date tbc)
Final judging panel announced
Early January 2009
Award Winners announced in all five categories
Tuesday 27th January 2009
Announcement of the 2008 Costa Book of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony in central London