Sir Paul McCartney's book, The Lyrics: 1956 to the present, is in the running the prize against 12 other books, including Marcus Rashford and Sir Kazuo.

The Beatles star new work features 154 songs across his six-decade career, the non-fiction book will provide a unique look into the iconic songwriter's life.

The book is in a strong list of 13 books that are all in the running to be awarded the Waterstones Book of the Year prize.

Other contenders for the prize include ‘You Are A Champion’ the English footballer Marcus Rashford children’s book.

As well as legendary author Sir Kazuo’s, for Klara and the Sun, which will mark his first nomination since being awarded the Nobel prize.

 ‘They Both Die At The End' by Adam Silvera has also been nominated after gaining a lot of publicity through the popular social media sight, TikTok.

Waterstones spokesperson Luke Taylor said: “With such a strong year for publishing it was always going to be an incredible selection of titles that would make up our Book of the Year shortlist, and as in previous years, the nominations from our booksellers are electric and diverse”.

Adding that “the final 13 that make up this year’s list are a true reflection of our bookseller’s passion for sharing outstanding books with readers”.

Previous winners of the prize include Sally Rooney’s Normal People, which has since become a hit TV show and Greta Thunberg for No One Is To Small to Make a Difference.

The Waterstones Book of the Year 2021 will be chosen by a Waterstones panel on December 2.