Nadeem wins Jessica George bursary for underrepresented writers seeking agent representation

Beena Nadeem has won Jericho Writers’ Jessica George Bursary for underrepresented writers seeking agent representation. 

Nadeem won with her manuscript This What You Call Love? George, who founded the prize following the success of her debut novel Maame (Hodder & Stoughton), said: “I enjoyed the writing so much I remember frowning when I got to the end of the page and being disappointed that I’d finished the sample. I think this is the beginning of an enthralling story.” 

The runners up are Sarah Mclean with Someone Else’s Secrets and Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim with Giveaway Bride.  

On Mclean’s work, George said: “I enjoyed the instant injection of humour and was pulled in by the premise of how quickly we can judge a stranger, and how a few hours spent with someone can completely reverse an opinion.” 

She described Ibrahim’s writing as “impressive, immersive and transportive”. 

Nadeem will receive a prize with a cash value of over £1,200. This includes: a full manuscript assessment, four agent one-to-ones, a lifetime Jericho Writers’ premium membership, and a ticket to Jericho Writers’ Festival of Writing in October 2023. The runners up will receive a lifetime premium membership and an agent one-to-one session.  

The bursary is offered in association with four literary agents: Nelle Andrew (RML), Rory Clarke (Andrew Nurnberg Associates), Gyamfia Osei (The Good Literary Agency), and Hannah Todd (Madeline Millburn) who will offer the agent one-to-one sessions.   

George said: “Being a writer and reader who has worked in the publishing industry, I’m hyper aware of the fact that there are still so many undiscovered talented writers with hidden stories. I also understand first-hand the difficulty of attempting to secure a literary agent. There’s so much to gain from this bursary, especially for someone who may not have the financial means to further aid their manuscript. Expert advice on the current shape of your work and feedback from industry professionals are valuable prizes for any writer.”

Anna Burtt and Elsie Granthier from Jericho Writers added: "We both loved Maame and are delighted to be working in collaboration with the immensely talented Jessica George to offer this opportunity to someone who otherwise may not have access to it. The entire team at Jericho Writers are passionate about helping people towards publication, and we can’t wait to see where this bursary takes its recipients.”