Writers Forum #99 January 2010

newsFRONT
The latest in the world of books, the internet and publishing
Debut Dagger worth a stab
W
ritten a killer novel? the world.
Entries are invited for the ‘It isn’t always necessary to
Crime Writers’ Association’s win to be successful,’ says chair
Debut Dagger competition of the CWA, Liz Evans. ‘The fact
for new writers, sponsored by is we circulate all the short-listed
Orion Publishing. entries to leading editors and
The Debut Dagger was the agents, and it’s an excellent way
brain-child of writer Andrew to jump the slush-pile and make
Taylor and launched in 1998. that ﬁ rst contact that could lead
Previous winners have included to a publishing contract.’
Joolz Denby (shortlisted for the Barbara Bauer’s Blacklands,
Orange Prize for Fiction in 2005), highly commended in 2008, was
Ed Wright (awarded the 2005 snapped up, and is scheduled for
Shamus Prize by the Private Eye publication next year.
Writers of America), and Alan Entry is open to anyone who
Bradley, who won in 2007 with hasn’t had a novel published com-
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the mercially and the closing date is
Pie which was published in 2009 6 February 2010. Full details and
to great critical acclaim and has a downloadable entry form can
sold translation rights all over be found at www.thecwa.co.uk
W&A Yearbook one-day conference
A
&C Black, publishers of the Editions, speakers include editor
Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook, of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook
is launching a series of one-day Jo Herbert, executive direc-
courses for new writers this tor of Bloomsbury Publishing
year. The ﬁ rst is ‘The Insider Richard Charkin, author and
Guide to How To Get Published’ journalist Julie Myerson, The
on Saturday 13 March. Literary Consultancy co-founder
Waterstone’s
Packed full of top tips, advice Rebecca Swift, senior literary
and feedback, the course will agent Andrew Kidd and commis-
provide a great opportunity for sioning editor Bill Swainson.
writers to gain valuable knowl- The workshop takes place at
joins used
edge from industry specialists. the Free Word Centre in London
Chaired by Liz Calder, co- EC1 from 10am to 4.30pm and
founder of Bloomsbury Publishing costs £60. For details, visit www.
and more recently Full Circle writersandartists.co.uk book market
West London mag seeks ideas
B
ook chain Waterstone’s is now offering secondhand books
online, following Amazon’s lead – in a move that fur-
A
new magazine for Ealing in gadgets to save them time.’
ther jeopardises royalty payments to authors. aterstone’sW
London is looking for short Topics should be of inter-
Marketplace has been launched in conjunction with Alibris,
articles and reviews of books, est to young families and single
an internet service that links buyers with independent sell-
restaurants and clubs in the area. high ﬂ yers, such as scholarships
ers around the world. The home page offers ‘100 million
W5 magazine will be distributed available for local schools and
free to residents in the W5 area weekend getaways within the
used books as good as new’.
and the launch issue comes out UK. Payments are small but ‘will
While this makes it easier for readers to find rare and out
in January 2010. increase with each issue’.
of print titles, it also makes it easier for buyers to forgo new
Editor Mangla Sachdev says: Send your articles and a self-
copies in favour of cheaper used versions. While the book-
‘Our target readers have an addressed envelope to W5, 93 sellers still make a profit, it means publishers and authors
above average income and may Shakespeare Avenue, Hayes, miss out on their share of any sales.
have children in independent Middlesex UB4 0BG or email
One consolation for authors is that aterstone’sW
schools or a very good state mangla@hotmail.com. If you do
Marketplace is separate to the bookseller’s main site.
school. They are busy and are submit ideas, please let us know
Amazon advertises used versions right next to the new
always looking for the latest how you get on.
titles it sells, which are already heavily discounted.
4 Writers
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FORUM #99
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