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MNHQ

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

17 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stand by: in partnership with renowned literary agency Janklow & Nesbit, we're launching a fantastic competition for unpublished novelists.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
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MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 20/10/2014 09:48

@joanofarchitrave

Can't help feeling worried about the numbers - hope Janklow and Nesbit are prepared for a lot of entries. Do you have to be a member of Mumsnet from when the competition was announced? Imagining a huge tsunami of new members for this otherwise.

Hi joanofarchitrave, thanks very much for the message. You have to be a member of Mumsnet at the time of entering the competition, not before. Best wishes, PatrickMumsnet

MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 20/10/2014 09:51

@Guilianna

Hang on, isn't this basically a standard sub? or are they saying they don't normally read their subs? Am I missing something?

Hi Guilianna, thanks for your message. To clarify: Janklow & Nesbit are agreeing to take on and represent the winner of the competition with a view to securing that lucky person a publishing deal. Best wishes, PatrickMumsnet

MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 20/10/2014 09:56

@olivespickledonions

Question (sorry if it's a silly one): does the rest of the novel have to be completed?

Hi olivespickledonions, no – the rest of your novel does not have to be completed. However, experience tells us that, should you end up winning the competition, the agent is likely to want you to have completed your novel before sending it out to publishers. Best wishes, PatrickMumsnet

MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 20/10/2014 09:57

@LineRunner

Is this adult fiction only?

Hi LineRunner, yes adult fiction please / possibly cross-over; not children's fiction. Best, PatrickMumsnet

MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 20/10/2014 09:59

@ChampagneTastes

Fabulous - now I have the beginnings of about three different novels. Can I enter them all? And do they have to be complete or can they simply be planned after the first 8,000 words?

Hi ChampagneTastes, in theory, you could submit all of your novels. However, we would recommend you stick to sending in just one. Best wishes, PatrickMumsnet

MNHQ

JustineMumsnet · 20/10/2014 22:48

We've checked in with the agents and they are very happy to accept children's fiction - just no picture book stories. Sorry for the confusion and best of luck to all.

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.

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.

MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 03/12/2014 12:48

@MythicDay

Hello

(Great to meet you on Saturday, Patrick, was a fab day!)

I've a couple of questions:

1)Should we include a covering letter with our submission?
2)Because of anonymity, Do we include our contact details on the cover sheet of the manuscript, or just put the title on there?

Many thanks

Hi MythicDay, really good to meet you too. In response to your questions:

  1. We have asked for a 500 word synopsis to accompany your submission
  2. We would like you to include your Mumsnet username on your application. And it would be great if you could include your name please. We promise to keep this confidential.

I hope this helps and good luck with your application.

MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 04/12/2014 09:25

@emilywrites

Hi Patrick,

Is it OK to just use the current Mumsnet username when one submits, or do you need both if we've name-changed? (I'd prefer that my other one remain anonymous, but I'll include it as well if it is necessary).

Hi emilywrites, the current Mumsnet username is fine.

MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 20/01/2015 11:45

@Rollermum

Anyone else pondering synopsis vs outline? Are they essentially the same thing?

And (total noob question alert) is the idea to literally say what will happen entirely, rather than a appetite teasing blurb sort of thing?

TIA for helping fellow competitor!

Hi Rollermum, firstly – sorry for the slow response. In response to your question – J&N are asking for an outline/synopsis of up to 500 words which paints of picture of how your novel unfolds. A synopsis / outline are essentially the same thing... I hope this helps.

MNHQ

PatrickMumsnet · 23/02/2015 12:46

Hello all,

Just to let you know that the shortlist for the J&N writing competition will be announced on MN at 5pm today. We'll pop the link on this thread then. P

MNHQ

JessMumsnet · 23/02/2015 17:01

... The shortlist of 10 (yes, 10 - J&N couldn't choose just six!) is up over here.

Congratulations to the chosen writers, and thanks all for your entries.

MNHQ

JessMumsnet · 23/02/2015 17:08

Ahem, make that 11 . Shortlist here.

Watch this thread for updates

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