Avon and Mushens Entertainment Prize shortlist announced

Avon and Mushens Entertainment have revealed the five titles which made the shortlist of their inaugural prize for writers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds who are writing a commercial novel.

The Avon and Mushens Entertainment competition was launched on 11th January this year and accepted submissions from unagented, unpublished writers of colour across the UK. The winner will receive a two-book deal with the HarperCollins division, a grant to support their writing career, and representation from Mushens Entertainment.

It is judged by the Avon editorial team and literary agent Silé Edwards (pictured) from Mushens Entertainment, along with author and guest judge Imran Mahmood.

The shortlist features Bully by Dee Spencer, House of Olympus by Ingrid Banerjee Marvin, Almost Strangers by Farrah Yusuf, How to Divorce a Psychopath by Angelina Melwani and Ben & Gia by Ipsita Deb.

Edwards said: "Whittling down the longlist was no easy task due to the standard of entries. I am so pleased that such a range of brilliant writers who have shared their stories with us, I know they will all go on to great things. Congratulations to the shortlisted writers, I can’t wait to read the full manuscripts!"

Mahmood added: "I was delighted to have had the privilege of reading such accomplished writing from so many skilled authors. The task of selecting just a few shortlistees from such a rich crop was extremely difficult. Many congratulations to those who made it to the shortlist – although every one of the longlisted stories should have a place on a book shelf – I am very excited to see what the future holds for them all. The winner – whoever it ends up being – is sure to be a great success. It is an exciting time for fiction and these new voices are ones I cannot wait to hear more of.’ 

The winner for the prize will be announced in November.