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Waterstone's bookseller wins Faber deal

15.11.07 Graeme Neill

A Waterstone’s bookseller has clinched the Not Yet Published award, which celebrates National Book Tokens’ 75th anniversary. Robert Williams, 30, who works in the Manchester Deansgate branch, won the award at the anniversary event at the Century Club in London last night (14th November). He picks up a publishing contract with Faber and an advance of at least £2,000.

Williams’ entry, Luke and Jon, was his first attempt at writing for young adults. It is about the experience of a boy as he starts a new life with his toymaker father, after the sudden death of his mother.

Author Francis Spufford, who sat on the judging panel, said that Williams’ submission “immediately caught the eye of the judges”, and the decision was unanimous. “The work is original and exciting,” she said. “Robert grabs the reader from the beginning and his thoughtful writing and strong voice is immediately perceived.”

Williams beat a shortlist of three other authors, including two other Waterstone’s booksellers.

Willie Anderson, chairman of Book Tokens, said: "The response to the Not Yet Published prize has demonstrated the creativity and talent of booksellers across the UK and Ireland. Booksellers are at the heart of our industry and their knowledge, commitment and love of books is amazing. They're just one of the reasons that make bookshops a great place to shop.”

Faber Graeme Neill Prize National Book Tokens Not Yet Published Award

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