I’m a big fan of writing contests. They give you focus, a deadline and kudos in victory, which you can then use when approaching agents and publishers.

I’m an even bigger fan of first-novel awards, as winning the Terry Pratchett prize (see how I’m not afraid to name drop) got me started.

So, I was pleased to see the inception of the Bath Novel Award.

If you are unpublished author with a work in progress, or a completed novel, get over there right now and enter.