Writing Opp 124

The Luke Bitmead Writer's Bursary

Closing date 31 August 2010

Top prize a publishing contract with Legend Press, as well as a cheque for £2500.

Open to all unpublished writers with a full-length novel.

The award was set up shortly after Luke’s death in 2006 by his family to support and encourage the work of fledgling novel writers. Luke was the author of the brilliant White Summer (the first novel to be published by Legend Press) and co-author of Heading South.

All submissions must be from first-time, non-published authors – particularly those who are talented but whose personal or financial circumstances are making it especially hard for them to focus on writing as a career.   

Novels must be already completed before entry. Unfinished manuscripts will not be accepted. Please submit 3-4 sample chapters initially by email to bitmeadbursary@legendpress.co.uk  along with a personal statement outlining why you would particularly benefit from the bursary. This will form a key part of the judging process.

Luke’s mother, Elaine Hanson said: 'The life of a writer can be both lonely and a financial struggle. This bursary honours Luke’s idea to assist fledgling writers through what can be a bleak time before a novel is flying off the shelves and generating sufficient royalties to provide a proper income. Legend Press has been a huge support since Luke’s death and it is fantastic that the winner will not only get a lump sum of £2,500 but also the ‘Holy Grail’ of a publishing deal.'

Full submission guidelines