Formella-Leigh wins inaugural I am In Print Novel Award

Maggie Formella-Leigh has won the inaugural I am In Print Novel Award for Love is Not Enough.

Formella-Leigh wins £1,000 and a one-hour editorial meeting with independent publisher Canelo.

She said: “Winning the I Am In Print Novel Award 2023 is amazing. I poured my heart and so much work into this book: knowing that it resonated is just incredible."

Second prize went to Paula Lennon for The Adventures Of Isaiah Ollenu. She wins a 30-minute editorial consultation with Canelo. Third prize went to Marisa Linton for Circle Of Shadows. Linton also wins a 30-minute editorial consultation with Canelo.

Louise Cullen, publishing director at Canelo, said: "It’s a privilege to have joined forces on this inaugural award with I Am In Print and the team at Canelo hope that the process of entering, along with the masterclasses, has encouraged budding novelists that publishing is for them, and publishers do want to hear what they have to say. The standard of entry was extremely high and we thought long and hard about who to place, but I’m delighted we have been able to give support and recognition to writers at the early stages of their careers and hopefully boost their profiles as well as their confidence."