Hot Key Young Writers Prize 2013
Hot Key Books is to run its second Young Writers Prize, this year in association with Kobo, which will make available the winners' work.
There are two categories: books for 9-12s and for young adult readers (13-19). Entrants may be between the ages of 18 and 25. The judges will include Director of the National Literacy TrustUK-based organisation which has campaigned since 1993 to improve literacy standards across all age groups. Excellent research information and details of the many initiatives the charity is currently involved in. www.literacytrust.org.uk. It also has a useful page of news stories on UK literacy, which links to newsletter http://www.readitswapit.co.uk/TheLibrary.aspx Jonathan Douglas, Guardian Children's Books Editor Julia Eccleshare, Kobo's Merchandiser of Children's Books Antonia Fowler, Hot Key Books Publisher Emily Thomas, authors Fleur Hitchcock and Matt Whyman, and bookseller Katie Clapham from Storytellers, Inc, as well as bloggers from Serendipity Reviews and We Sat Down; schoolchildren from Globe School, London and St John's School in Buckinghamshire will also have their say.
Each winner will receive the opportunity to be published by Hot Key with a £10,000 advance. Ten shortlisted finalists will get Kobo e-readers. All entrants will be able to publish their work through self-publishing platform Kobo Writing Life.
There were 350 entries in 2012. Hot Key will publish the 2012 winners, The Rig by Joe Ducie and Vivian Versus the Apocalypse by Katie Coyle, in September.
Initial submissions (4000 words + 1 page synopsis). Submissions of partial manuscripts will close on 22 July, with a second stage of full manuscripts in November 2013. The winners will be announced at London Book Fair 2014.
Sarah Odedina, Managing Director of Hot Key Books says: "We're delighted to be running our Young Writers Prize for the second year. It is imperative for the publishing business, and our readers, that we are constantly looking for new talent and what better way to do that than to encourage first time authors. Working with Kobo on the prize this year also indicates our absolute commitment to publish in all formats so readers can access fantastic storytelling however and wherever they choose to."
