The Bookseller.com

20th July 2008

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Waterstone's turns talent hunter

09.04.08 Graeme Neill

Waterstone's has launched a search for literary talent within its stores and offices. The Bookseller Bursary will offer two members of staff the chance to go on a creative writing course at the Arvon Foundation, as well as a cash prize of £500.

The bursary is open to all current members of staff who work in Waterstone's bookshops or in any other capacity. Entrants should provide a sample of up to 3,000 words of either fiction, non-fiction or children's writing aimed at five and up.

"We have a pretty impressive history in this area," said Waterstone's m.d. Gerry Johnson. "Writers as diverse as David Mitchell, Ray Monk, Jeremy Dyson and Dan Rhodes are but some of the authors who at some point in their career worked in Waterstone's. We know there are more talented writers out there, and the Bookseller's Bursary will help them develop their skills."

A shortlist will be picked by a panel of booksellers and head office staff. The winner will then be judged by an industry panel consisting of Fiona Kennedy (Waterstone's non-fiction category manager, Ariane Koek (director, Arvon Foundation), Francesca Main (Simon & Schuster commissioning editor), and Simon Trewin (United Agents). The winners will be announced in September.

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