The Daily Mail and Penguin Random House launch first novel competition

The Daily Mail and Penguin Random House have announced a major competition to search for a new writing talent.

The winner will receive a £20,000 advance and publishing contract with Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House UK, and the services of literary agent Luigi Bonomi.

Entrants are invited to submit the first 5,000 words of their novel along with a 600 word synopsis. The submissions can be from any adult genre though entrants must not have had a novel published before.

The competition will be judged by a panel of experts:

• Sandra Parsons, Literary Editor, The Daily Mail
• Selina Walker, Publisher, Century & Arrow, Penguin Random House
• Luigi Bonomi, Managing Director, LBA
• Simon Kernick, bestselling crime writer

Selina Walker, Publisher of Century and Arrow said, “As a publisher I am always looking for talented new storytellers, and this is a real chance for aspiring authors to make a start on the novels they’ve always wanted to write. I’m proud that we, at Century, have joined up with Luigi Bonomi and The Daily Mail in the search for a new bestseller. It’s exciting!”

Luigi Bonomi added “There is so much talent out there waiting to be discovered. This is a life changing opportunity for someone to be published and edited by Selina Walker – one of the very best in our business. After thirty years in the industry, I am still hugely excited at the thought of discovering a fantastic new bestseller and wish everyone the very best of luck!”

The deadline for entries is April 16th 2016. Further details and tips for entrants can be found here

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