Chevalier to judge inaugural Curtis Brown First Novel Prize

Bestselling author Tracy Chevalier will judge the inaugural £3,000 Curtis Brown First Novel Prize. 

Launched in partnership with the Curtis Brown Creative writing school, the prize is open to un-agented novels both finished and unfinished, across all genres of adult fiction.

The author of Girl With A Pearl Earring will chair the judging panel formed of Curtis Brown agents and the Curtis Brown Creative team.

The author of the winning novel will be offered representation by Curtis Brown plus a prize of £3,000, while the first runner-up will receive a place on a three-month novel-writing course at Curtis Brown Creative, and a mentoring session with one of the Curtis Brown 120 agents.

The remaining four shortlisted entrants will be offered a place on a six-week online course with Curtis Brown Creative and a mentoring session with one of the Curtis Brown 120 agents.

Chevalier said: “I remember all too well how hard it was at the beginning to find a way to get my work read by people in the industry. With this prize Curtis Brown is giving new writers a clear and helpful hand-up into the publishing world. I am looking forward to reading some surprising, challenging, entertaining work!”

Competition entries, consisting of a 400 word novel synopsis and the opening 10,000 words of the novel, can be submitted here from 1pm today (9th April). The closing date is 1st August 2019. The winner will be revealed on 10th October.