Dundee Book Prize launch

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The Dundee Book Prize - a partnership between the University, the City of Discovery Campaign and the Polygon imprint of Birlinn Ltd committed to discovering great new writing - once again offers a £6,000 cash prize and the promise of publication for an unpublished novel.

Principal’s communications director Carol Pope, an architect of the prize said: "Over the last few years the Dundee Book Prize has quietly established itself as the UK’s premier prize for emerging novelists. Its unique promise of a major cash award plus publication make Dundee Book Prize highly valued by tomorrow’s writers seeking to break into the publishing world. With the renewal of the partnership between the University, the City of Discovery Campaign and Birlinn Ltd who now publish the Polygon imprint, we are delighted to announce that the future of the prize is assured for a six year programme of three prize rounds. This is great news for up and coming writers and we’re very excited to be able to play a key role in discovering great new writing."

No theme, setting or genre has been stipulated for the entries, which must be unpublished novels, and the closing date has been set at 31 March 2004. Entry forms are now available from libraries, the University Press Office, DCA and via www.dundeecity.gov.uk/

What the judges say...

"The Dundee Book Prize is the premier showcase for new writing talent in Scotland. I just wish it had been around when I was starting out!"
Ian Rankin

"It’s terrific to see Dundee make such a commitment to future writers. I’m about to invest in a decent pair of reading glasses for the task ahead."
Broadcaster Edi Stark

"The Dundee Book Prize is all about quality. As in previous years, the judges will be looking for outstanding work and, if past winners are anything to go by, can look forward to finding new and exciting work."
John Burnside