New Novelists update

The judging process for our North East New Novelist is underway - and what a task it is! There were 121 eligible entries, which is remarkable considering entry was restricted to writers in the North East of England with completed manuscripts. We knew there were lots of writers out there with first chapters and unfinished drafts stuffed away in drawers, but who knew so many had managed to finish their potential masterpieces? At first glance, I've spotted several that look very publishable, but thankfully I don't have to choose the winners. That task will be performed by Kitty Fitzgerald and Wendy Robertson, who will then work with the winning writers to develop their manuscripts. The winners will be announced in June, and the two selected novels will be published in January 2009.

Paul