Hi Everybody!
Well, the Harry Potter Series is over, and the publishers are chomping at the bits to find out WHO WILL BE THE NEXT J.K. ROWLING. For those of you who believe your story has what it takes to “tear down those walls”–publishing house walls, that is, please read on!
You’ve heard of The Times, but you may in fact be wondering who the heck “Chicken House” is. Well, Chicken House was founded by Barry Cunningham, best known for discovering blockbuster author J. K. Rowling.
HOW TO ENTER
Send your manuscript to:
The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition, Books, The Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1TT.
(YES, THAT’S LONDON!)
RULES:
Entries must be the original work of the entrant and not previously published.
You must not have previously published any book in any country, whether fiction or nonfiction.
ABSOLUTELY NO AGENTED SUBMISSIONS, or the submission will be void and rejected.
DEADLINE: Saturday, November 17, 2007
WORD LIMIT: No more than 80,000 words.
Target Group: Must be suitable for a worldwide children’s audience aged 9 to 16.
Subject Matter: Any subject or fit any genre.
Founder Barry Cunningham’s Top Tips
1. Work out a rough structure – especially the end, so you know where you’re going!
2. Think about your target audience: Who are they? What did you like to read at their age?
3. Think about how you felt when you were the same age as your cast – worries, excitements, concerns – and integrate them into your story view.
4. Describe what the characters look like, children love to “see” them.
5. Start your story where the action begins. Set the background later.
6. Remember what makes the child in you laugh – humour is important.
For complete details on this rare opportunity, please click on the following link:
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/fiction/article2277123.ece
Best wishes and happy writing!
Rita
