18 June 2007
Another exciting chapter for Dundee Unternational Book Prize
The 2009 Dundee International Book Prize was launched today - with a new high calibre judging panel set to rule on entries from around the world.
Award-winning author Kirsty Gunn, Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Dundee, will chair the panel which will also include journalist, author and broadcaster Magnus Linklater, a former chairman of the Scottish Arts Council.
The stature of the judges reflects the increasing recognition of the Dundee International Book Prize. It is now established as the UK's premier prize for emerging novelists, with a £10,000 cash award together with publication by Birlinn Ltd, publishers of the Polygon imprint. The prize is a joint venture between the City of Discovery Campaign, the University of Dundee , and Birlinn.
Kirsty Gunn said: "I am delighted to be associated with a prize that also reflects so nicely the aims and ambitions of our own new creative writing programme at the University of Dundee - that is, to encourage work that is fresh and new, across a whole spectrum of genres and styles, bringing together writers no matter who they are or where they're from or what their range or kind of experience. The Dundee International Book Prize is generously structured to celebrate both the regional and the international, so we get to play host to new writing talent from around the world. And that mix - of the here and the there - is a truly creative one."
Magnus Linklater added: "Any new writer knows the long and agonising process of gaining recognition. The Dundee International Book Prize is a unique and imaginative response to that process. It offers talented young writers the priceless opportunity of being discovered."
"Over the last ten years the Prize has quietly established itself, within Scotland and abroad, as a unique means of identifying new writers and ensuring that they, in turn, find their audience. The partnership of University, City and publisher is an inspiring model for the promotion of Scottish culture."
The 2007 Book Prize saw around 200 entries from 20 countries around the world, including Europe, Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand. There continued to be a strong Scottish and UK interest also.
Lord Provost John Letford, Chairman of the City of Discovery Campaign, said: "The Book Prize has now established itself not only as a leading UK literary award, but on an international scale. Last year's winner was an Englishwoman, living in France, who was alerted to the Prize by a French friend. We have also seen the percentage of overseas entries increase, and also the quality of entries. I am sure the next Prize will prove every bit as successful."
Dundee is a city which embraces writers - A.L.Kennedy, born and bred in the city, Douglas Dunn, Kate Atkinson, John Burnside, Bill Duncan and Rosamunde Pilcher are amongst the "glitterati" who have drawn on the City of Discovery for their inspiration over the last two decades.
This week (21-22 June) Dundee hosts the first Dundee Literary Festival with major names including Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, Peter Hobbs , Ben Markovits, Bill Duncan and Christopher Priest appearing. The first entry packs for the Dundee International Book Prize will be made available to all those who attend this event.
The first four Dundee Book Prize winning novels have all gone on to have success. The authors have also gone on to produce further works of fiction and non-fiction. Andrew Murray Scott's book Tumulus detailed bohemian Dundee through the 60s and 70s to the present day. The winning novel in 2002, Claire-Marie Watson's The Curewife drew on the tale of Dundee's last execution of a witch - Grissel Jaffray in 1669 and the winner in 2005 was Malcolm Archibald's adventure on a whaling ship Whales for a Wizard. 2007 saw French resident Fiona Dunscombe scoop the accolade with her gritty, dark and full of life novel The Triple Point of Water.
The prize is open to novels of any genre, theme or setting and the only condition is that it must be from a previously unpublished author. Children's books are not accepted.
Entries sent by e-mail must be submitted by an earlier deadline of February 1, 2008.
The email address for entry is book.prize@dundeecity.gov.uk
The closing date for all other entries is March 3, 2008. No manuscripts will be accepted after this date.
The full details are available online at www.dundeebookprize.co.uk
Notes to Editors
The Dundee Book Prize was established in 1998 and is run on a biennial basis.
The City of Discovery Campaign was established in 1987 to promote Dundee and foster a positive image of the city. It is jointly funded by Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise Tayside with additional support from European funding. The campaign is supported by a range of local organisations and businesses.
For further information contact David Forsyth at Benchmark Media on 0131 225 0780 or Mobile 07887 955778
| 
