The Judge's Comments
Lorella Belli
When I was asked by Chapter One Promotions to judge their Novel Competition, I did not know what the standard of the submissions received would be like, but considering the fact that many of our authors at the agency were first time writers when we took them on and got them publishing deals, the idea of discovering some genuine new talent was appealing to me.
I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of the work received – from crime and thrillers to women’s fiction to literary fiction and even a science fiction entry. This mix was particularly welcome as we represent novelists writing in all areas (no children’s books, fantasy or SF though) and it was interesting to read a wide range of novels, aimed at different readerships and belonging to different genres.
Of the thirty plus entries that made the longlist, I found that several showed some potential, each novel being quite distinctive and competent in its own way.
My two main criteria for selecting the winner were: can the author write well and originally? Would a publisher make an offer to publish this book?
Bearing this in mind made my job easier – there were various entries which were competently written, but which, based on the material I read alone, I didn’t feel would stand much of a chance of being picked by a publisher in today’s crowded and competitive market.
As the prize offered to the winning author is to work closely with an editor to improve their book and get a publishing deal, it made sense for the winner to be the book which is more likely to succeed in achieving publication.
Having read the initial two chapters, the last chapter and synopsis of the novels submitted, I was pleased to find one in particular which stood out for me. And if the rest of the novel is as good as the opening chapters, I can’t see why the author shouldn’t find an agent and a publisher.
As for those authors who didn’t win, don’t give up, work more on improving your book and try again next year. After all, very few authors are so naturally talented that they can write without much revision; for most, writing is a craft learned with time and practice, and if the talent is there too, I believe it will all come together sooner or later.
Lorella Belli
Lorella Belli Literary Agency
If you have any questions, please do get in touch with us using the contact link or alternatively you can call us direct on 0845 456 5364. All postal enquiries can be sent to us at Chapter One Promotions, Canterbury Court, 1-3 Brixton Road, London, SW9 6DE, England.
Submissions for the next Novel Competition are accepted from Thursday 1st January 2009. The deadline for all entries is midnight on Sunday 28 February 2010.
Return to Novel Competition page