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MNHQ

Got a novel in you? Here's your chance to get published

366 replies

KateMumsnet · 16/10/2014 20:19

First novel competition: If you think you've got a novel in you, but despair of ever being published, stand by: in partnership with renowned literary agency Janklow & Nesbit, we're launching a fantastic competition for unpublished novelists.

Submit the first 8,000 words of your novel - Janklow & Nesbit guarantee to read every single entry. One enormous stumbling block to getting published is simply being noticed - so this really is an amazing opportunity.

The fantastic prize on offer is representation by J&N - setting you firmly on the path to publication: get details of how to enter here.

If you'd like to enter, but could use a bit of bespoke advice, we've organised a one-day Get Published course on Saturday 29 November 2014, where you'll have the chance to pick the brains of the Janklow agents and leading editors - and pick up tips from authors who've already broken through.

What are you waiting for?

Got a novel in you? Here's your chance to get published
OP posts:
MarshaBrady · 23/10/2014 16:06

That's great. I don't have a novel but would love to know the outcome.

ChatEnOeuf · 23/10/2014 16:22

I wondered if you'd seen this bigpaws

ilovereading · 23/10/2014 17:31

Mmmmmm...maybe. What an incentive - thanks MN.

BsshBosh · 23/10/2014 17:50

Forgot to say, a big thanks to both Mumsnet and J&N for this opportunity. Good luck all those submitting :)

pointyfangs · 23/10/2014 20:34

I have the same problem as dwerf - which one of the 16 I have written so far should I go for? Decisions, decisions.... But am definitely entering.

Onepot · 23/10/2014 20:48

Watching with interest

katsnmouse · 23/10/2014 21:00

Just the excuse I need (sharpens pencil...)

murmuration · 23/10/2014 21:14

Wow, awesome! And right now I should be working on said novel instead of MNing... maybe this will be the push I need to leave MN alone on an evening :)

I'm guessing by their author list and description that genre is okay, too? (As in, can I send my fantasy novel?)

Also, in addition to whevs questions above, that 500-word outline -- do they mean 'outline' like 1-2-a-b, or do they mean a 500 word narative description (e.g., synopsis)?

murmuration · 23/10/2014 21:15

Oh, and does 'unpublished' mean unpublished novels? If I got £5-20 for a short story or two over the last few decades, does that disqualify me?

sourpotato · 24/10/2014 10:34

Aaah exciting! This has really motivated me to get writing. I have 3000 words so far!

BookABooSue · 24/10/2014 10:36

The T&Cs seem to say only one entry per person but the MN reply on the first page seems to imply you can enter more than once. Can anyone clarify?

TIA

TwoLeftSocks · 24/10/2014 11:04

Ooh, exciting. I've got a rather shabby 3000 words I could haul into some sort of order and add to.

For those of us not able to get to London on 29th Nov, would they be able to give us a quick top five tips or something?

rosdearg · 25/10/2014 20:29

Patrick MNHQ says in theory you can submit 3 entries; the rules say only one entry per MN-er. Which is it, please?

Also - can I just check. If, totally hypothetically, you are a name changer for the purposes of entering, just in case you just might have posted personal stuff on MN under your usual nickname, which you would not want to be associated with the MASSIVE BOASTING you would not be able to stop yourself from doing in the unlikely event that you won. Well... in that case, can you just submit under your new shiny clean name and no one will ever know who you "were". or is that not allowed - do you have to have a certain "length of service to MN" to enter?

thank you!

MNHQ
IonaMumsnet · 25/10/2014 21:07

Hi there, Rosdearg. You're right. It looks from the rules as though only one entry per person is allowed - we will triple check this and get back to you though. Frankly, we'd be amazed if anyone manages to dash off more than one publisher-ready novel by the closing date. .

In answer to your other questions, no there is nothing to stop you namechanging at all (but we would want to boast under our old nickname, for sure!). And no, there is no 'length of service' required. All Mumsnetters are created equal. You simply have to be a member of Mumsnet when you submit your entry.

Hope that clears those things up.

MNHQ
IonaMumsnet · 25/10/2014 22:41

Yup. Just had confirmation. Only one entry per person.

Purpleflamingos · 27/10/2014 09:18

MNHQ - can you check the link in your original post please. Tried to log on to check the deadline to see if I can get the word limit completed on time this morning and the page is just lines of 'error' . I have managed 15,000 words this week between the dc and supporting a DH with a business set up (it's not easy being patient). My laptop is past its best before date and its tortuous using it! But I am determined to try.

wingardiumleviosa · 27/10/2014 12:45

Hi- you only need 8000 words to enter- could the rest be a work in progress? or does the whole novel need to be completed by the time the competition is finished?

FantasticButtocks · 27/10/2014 17:51

How can the winner brag on MN about winning (which of course they would want to do) without the general public who buys the book knowing one's nn and being able to look up all past posts? Confused

FrankelandFilly · 28/10/2014 10:54

I was going to ask the same as wingardium, I've had an idea lurking in my head for a few years and lots of notes, but even if I start now it's definitely not going to be finished by January! Can we submit just those first 8,000 words with a promise to keep working on the rest?!

MNHQ
PatrickMumsnet · 28/10/2014 15:11

@FrankelandFilly

I was going to ask the same as wingardium, I've had an idea lurking in my head for a few years and lots of notes, but even if I start now it's definitely not going to be finished by January! Can we submit just those first 8,000 words with a promise to keep working on the rest?!

Sorry for the slow response. Yes, no need to have a completed manuscript at the point of submission.

MNHQ
PatrickMumsnet · 28/10/2014 15:13

@murmuration

Oh, and does 'unpublished' mean unpublished novels? If I got £5-20 for a short story or two over the last few decades, does that disqualify me?

Hi there, unpublished means an unpublished novel in this context.

MNHQ
PatrickMumsnet · 28/10/2014 15:21

Hi all, several of you have mentioned that you have submitted your work and not received acknowledgement from Janklow & Nesbit. This was an oversight on their part and is being fixed as we speak. Expect to hear from someone on their team in the coming days confirming that your work has been safely received.

On the question of whether you need to reference your MNetter nickname on application, the answer is NO. However, please be rest assured that all the shortlisted entries will be verified to ensure they are, indeed, MNetters.

hankyspanky · 30/10/2014 11:48

Can I scan my handwritten masterpiece and send that?
Or do I have to write it all out again in word???

Humourme · 30/10/2014 12:26

I self-published my debut novel earlier this year. I loved the process of self-publishing - choosing my own editor and illustrator. But the aftermath (finding visibility, reviewers, promoting) is time-consuming and draining and not for everyone. I know trad authors have to do lots of promo too but having someone else in your corner fighting for you would be a dream come true for me. I am going to enter my novel and hope for the best.

hankyspanky · 30/10/2014 13:05

please someone tell me whether I should start typing my No 1 Bestseller or scan the handwritten copy?
My writing is very neat and didn't JK Rowling write hers by hand?!