Dundee International Book Prize attracts worldwide interest

Around 200 manuscripts from all over the world have been submitted as entries for the Dundee International Book Prize.

The organizers have expressed their delight that book manuscripts have been received from throughout Scotland and the UK and also from further afield including the USA, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, New Zealand, Guernsey, France and Nigeria.

Lord Provost John Letford, Chairman of the City of Discovery Campaign, said, "It is gratifying to see the Book Prize grow on an international level and attracting this interest from all corners. However, it is every bit as satisfying to see that almost 70 entries come from our own country, with more than 20 of these from Dundee and it environs. Local talent has enjoyed success in previous years and it is good to see it well represented again."

Principal's Communications Director at the University, Carol Pope, said, "The Dundee International Book Prize is extending its accessibility to authors based all over the world, in particular through its acceptance of manuscripts sent by e-mail. This has seen overseas entries make up almost 20% of the total. The Dundee International Book Prize offers an unparalleled opportunity to new writers worldwide to launch their literary careers."

The Book Prize - run by the Campaign and the University of Dundee - has established itself as the UK's premier prize for emerging novelists. Its £10,000 cash award together with publication by Birlinn Ltd, publishers of the Polygon imprint, make it highly valued by new writers seeking to break into the publishing world.

The award, now running for the fourth time, is for a novel by a previously unpublished author on any theme and in any genre. The judging is carried out by an independent panel, chaired this time by leading broadcaster and author James Naughtie.

The closing date for entries passed on Wednesday, March 1st.

Further information is available from the competition website, www.dundeebookprize.com