Capital Crime launches New Voices Award

Capital Crime festival will host the inaugural New Voices Awards to champion the next generation of talent in the crime and thriller community next month. 

In association with D H H Literary Agency, the awards will give entrants the chance to have three opening chapters of their debut novel read by agents, publishers and readers, who will then vote for their favourites.

Capital Crime co-founder and D H H founder David Headley, said: "At D H H we’re always on the lookout for talented new authors. The New Voices Award is an exciting competition that gives readers the power to help identify new talent. It promises to be a brilliant platform for aspiring writers."

Entries will be uploaded to Capital Crime’s website, where festival pass holders can read and vote for their favourite entries. The authors of the ten highest placed entries will be revealed on Thursday 19th September and the winner, judged by the Capital Crime team from the top ten entries, will be announced at Capital Crime’s opening night cocktail party on Thursday 26th September to the readers, agents and publishers in attendance. Entries, which can be submitted here, close at midnight on Wednesday 18th September.

Capital Crime co-founder, screenwriter and author, Adam Hamdy, added: “We’re excited to offer a platform to engage and support aspiring writers. This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to have their work represented and published. I wish this had been around when I started writing!”

The festival unveiled its line-up earlier this year with Martina Cole, Ann Cleeves, Ian Rankin, Abir Mukherjee and Leye Adenle all set to attend. Tickets for the festival, which will take place at the Grand Connaught Rooms from the 26th to 28th September 2019, are now on sale.