Myriad and West Dean College invite previously unpublished writers to submit entries of up to 5,000 words from a novel or short story collection in progress
First Drafts is an annual event organised by Myriad to uncover exceptional new voices. It is at the heart of Myriad’s mission to discover and nurture bold and exciting writers. There are very few competitions for a work in progress and this is a brilliant opportunity for aspiring authors to get their work noticed by publishers and agents.
The prize is a week-long writing retreat in the luxurious surroundings of West Dean College near Chichester, detailed editorial feedback from the judges and six months’ mentoring from a Myriad author. The closing date is 12 noon on Friday 30th June 2017 and the winner will be announced at an event in London in November 2017.
Now in its eighth year, First Drafts has a track record of launching writers who have gone on to enjoy creative and commercial success. Myriad has published several writers brought to its attention through the competition, including Lisa Cutts, whose crime debut Never Forget was been optioned by a major TV company; Nina de la Mer, author of the acclaimed novels 4 a.m. and Layla; Hannah Vincent, whose debut, Alarm Girl, came out in 2014; S.E. Craythorne, author of How You See Me, and Sara Marshall-Ball, author of Hush, both published in 2015.