News New crime writing prize worth £3,500 for un-agented debut authors

[E G Logan]

A new crime writing prize worth £3,500 for un-agented debut authors has been announced (The Bookseller today). ‘Criminal Lines’, set up by literary agency AM Heath, Orion Publishing Group and Crime Monthly magazine, is open to authors over 18, born or resident* in the UK and Ireland.

The competition is open to all types of novel with “criminal intent”, from “psychological thrillers, cosy crime to serial killer thrillers”. Submissions should include the opening 5,000 words, and a synopsis of no more than 1,000 words.

It does not specify in the rules that the novel must be complete – though presumably it'd need to be by competition close (EGL) – and mentoring plus agenting by AM Heath form part of the prize. There is no upper age limit.

‘Criminal Lines’ opens 3 August 2023 and closes 7 December 2023. Entry form and rules at: Criminal Lines | AM Heath Literary Agents

N.B. * The Bookseller says quite clearly authors should be 'born or resident in the UK and Ireland’, while the prize rules specify 'living in Britain... and Ireland…’ I am checking the organisers which is correct – will update.

 

[E G Logan]

A new crime writing prize worth £3,500 for un-agented debut authors has been announced (The Bookseller today). ‘Criminal Lines’, set up by literary agency AM Heath, Orion Publishing Group and Crime Monthly magazine, is open to authors over 18, born or resident* in the UK and Ireland.

The competition is open to all types of novel with “criminal intent”, from “psychological thrillers, cosy crime to serial killer thrillers”. Submissions should include the opening 5,000 words, and a synopsis of no more than 1,000 words.

It does not specify in the rules that the novel must be complete – though presumably it'd need to be by competition close (EGL) – and mentoring plus agenting by AM Heath form part of the prize. There is no upper age limit.

‘Criminal Lines’ opens 3 August 2023 and closes 7 December 2023. Entry form and rules at: Criminal Lines | AM Heath Literary Agents

N.B. * The Bookseller says quite clearly authors should be 'born or resident in the UK and Ireland’, while the prize rules specify 'living in Britain... and Ireland…’ I am checking the organisers which is correct – will update.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
The official word from CriminalLines is:

The prize is open to writers born in and/or resident in the UK and Ireland.

I am now checking if the novel needs to be complete, and, if it does, what is the latest date for its completion?

 

[E G Logan]

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

"No, the manuscript does not have to be finished."