Crocus Books in association with Manchester Literature Festival present Is there a novelist in the house?  If you’re a previously unpublished rising star and have written, or want to write, that all important first chapter to a novel that will take the world by storm, Is there a novelist in the house? seeks to put the spotlight on you.

The competition is open for writers who live or work in the North of England.  The winner with the best first chapter and pitch will get £250 and their own writing mentor to help them get their novel completed.  Six other promising novelists, identified through the competition, will be provided with significant assistance with their novel.  The competition welcomes submissions in any genre except children’s fiction.

Crocus Books has launched the careers of several North West based authors, including Cath Staincliffe, Sherry Ashworth, Mike Duff and Brigid Rose.

Deadline for entries is 30^th June 2010.  Email crocus@cultureword.org.uk for further details on how to enter.