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Six titles from indie publishers plus three from self-published writers, have been longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize, which rewards a debut tackling the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) experience.
Transworld's Becoming Nancy by Terry Ronald completes the 10-strong list, which also includes Exit Through The Wound by North Morgan (Limehouse Books) and The Frost Fairs by John McCullogh (Salt).
The prize is open to any first book published in the UK in English which deals with the subject, be it poetry, a novel or non-fiction. It is also open to self-published works in print or digital formats.
The judging panel includes author and journalist Paul Burston and critic and broadcaster Bidisha. Burston said: “This is a strong list which reflects the diversity of the LGBT literary voices and the variety of ways in which authors make their voices heard.”
The shortlist due to be unveiled in September, with the winner to be announced at Polari’s fifth birthday celebrations in November. The prize is worth £1,000, funded by Square Peg Media.
The longlist in full:
Rory’s Boys - Alan Clark (Bliss/Arcadia Books)
Pennance - Claire Ashton (self-published on Kindle)
The Frost Fairs – John McCullogh (Salt)
Becoming Nancy – Terry Ronald (Transworld)
Exit Through The Wound – North Morgan (Limehouse Books)
Body of Water – Stuart Wakefield (self-published)
Modern Love – Max Wallis (Flap)
Ey Up and Away - Vicky Ryder (Wandering Star Press)
Grrl Alex – Alex Drummond (self-published)
Perking The Pansies – Jack Scott (Summertime Publishing)