Chambers and HarperCollins launch writing bursary

Crime author Kimberley Chambers and HarperCollins have launched a writing scholarship, the 'Kickstart Prize', in association with Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PFD) Literary Agency and CrimeFest.

The prize, announced at Crimefest in Bristol on Saturday (19th May), aims to "kick open doors to writers who need a leg up into the world of publishing", through a £1,000 bursary to help with writing essentials, time with Chambers’ editor, writing tips and feedback, and an offer of representation from PFD.

The judges include Kimberley Young, publisher at HarperFiction, senior literary agent at PFD Tim Bates, Donna Moore, co-director of crime writing festival CrimeFest, as well as Chambers herself. They will be looking for someone “who stands out from the crowd, demonstrating gritty determination and a flair for storytelling”.

Chambers (pictured below) said: "I’ve always been a bit of a Del Boy and tried my hand at many jobs before I picked up a pen and paper, but when I got to about chapter seven of my first book I knew I had it. Hitting Number One was a dream come true.”

She added: “I know how hard it is and I want to give a writer a helping hand, this is something I really believe in. It’s great to launch at CrimeFest and I hope it will keep going for many years to come."

Applicants are asked to submit the first three chapters of their fiction novel, a short synopsis, and a paragraph about why “they need a kickstart” to KimberleyChambers@HarperCollins.co.uk">KimberleyChambers@HarperCollins.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is 31st October. For more information, visit kimberleychambers.com/kickstart.