Two new writing contests were announced today, including a competition for undiscovered writers with a manuscript gathering dust.
"The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award is an opportunity for our customers to have an exciting, significant voice in the process of discovering a new novelist,” said Russell Grandinetti, vice president of books for Amazon.com.
The winner of the contest, sponsored by Amazon.com, Penguin (USA) and Hewlett-Packard Co., will receive a $25,000 advance and a contract with Penguin. Oh, and an entertainment package that includes a 50" plasma TV (so the winner's first novel will ultimately be his last.) I mean, as any struggling (honest) writer will admit, having un-monitored access to daytime television is as good for productivity as meth.
Now, the winning manuscipt for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel will be determined by a few professionals and Amazon's leading customer reviewers. Wonder who these folks are? Here are some of their amazing insights on Ann Patchett's new novel, Run:
"Patchett's glistening prose reminds me of a jeweler studying a diamond with steely precision and a cool, clear radiance that reveals every facet and flaw."
"Ann Patchett has the ability of taking a simple plot and making it into something it is not."
"It is as if the only way Ms. Patchett knows how to create a character is by letting him or her think - not, on occasion, just observe or be part of something."
If you can decipher that last quote, and read the first quote out loud without vomitting in your mouth, I would highly encourage you to submit your manuscript.
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