After the fantastic success of the first Luke Bitmead Writer’s Bursary last year, Legend Press and Luke’s family are pleased to announce the opening of entries for the 2009 Writer’s Bursary on today, Luke’s Birthday. The award was set up shortly after Luke’s death to support and encourage the work of fledgling novel writers, with the top prize being a publishing contract with Legend Press.
We are pleased to be continuing this brilliant bursary for a second year, and hope to follow in the success of last year’s winner Andrew Blackman, who published his debut novel On the Holloway Road with Legend Press in February.
Submissions from writers will be accepted from today 13th May to 31st August 2009, with the winner announced in the week of 27th October 2009.
Only adult fiction is eligble for this bursary, no children's books or non-fiction. The judging panel will consist of Luke’s mother and sister, Legend Press and also two best-selling authors; top Swiss fiction writer Zoe Jenny and UK novelist Sam Mills. Entrants must be aged 16 or over. There is no upper age restriction for entry but all submissions must be from first-time, non-published authors – particularly those who are talented but whose personal or financial circumstances are making it especially hard for them to focus on writing as a career.
Novels must be already completed before entry. Unfinished manuscripts will not be accepted. Please submit 3-4 sample chapters initially by email to bitmeadbursary@legendpress.co.uk
Writers must also submit a personal statement outlining why they would particularly benefit from the bursary. This will form a key part of the judging process.
The 2008 bursary received hundreds of entries and we look forward to reading your work and discovering more talented authors.
For all enquiries please email bitmeadbursary@legendpress.co.uk
Tom, Lucy and Lauren
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