Preparing for Publication
Now approaching its thirteenth year, Spotlight First Novel Award is our way of celebrating and encouraging new writers. Every year we profile the winner and offer them transitional support at a key stage.The Award is aimed at writers preparing for publication. The winner benefits from a comprehensive support package worth over £1950.00
Highlighting the writers of the future
Spotlight First Novel Award has a well documented knack of highlighting the writers of the future. Success stories include Anne Madden, The Wilderness Way (Harper Collins 2023), Philip Bowne, Cows Can’t Jump (Neem Tree Press 2020): Kate Swindlehurst with her memoir, The Tango Effect (Unbound 2020): Zoe Gilbert, Folk (Bloomsbury 2018).
So far, nine of our shortlisted writers have gone on to mainstream success. Previous shortlisted writers now published (or about to be) include:
2022 Nilesha Chauvet
2021 Hazel Prior
2020 Emma Hughes
2018 Sophie Haydock
2016 Michelle Kenney
2016 Felicia Yap
2015 Annabel Abbs
2014 Mary Paulson Eliis
2013 Jessie Kidd
Spotlight Profiles
Read Philip Bowne’s Spotlight Success.
Read the profile of 2022 winner here. Shylashri Shankar’s novel, Blood Caste, is the first of a proposed trilogy of historical murder mysteries set in India.
“I absolutely loved working with you. I learnt so much and gained a lot of confidence in my writing.”
Shylashri Shankar. Spotlight Winner 2022
Picture yourself here: Spotlight Profiles.
Apply Now
Further information, including how to apply here: Spotlight First Novel Award.
Deadline: 14th February 2024.