Polari First Book Prize reveals 2012 shortlist and announces £1,000 prize
The shortlist for the Polari First Book Prize was announced last night at an event at the Southbank Centre. This year, for the first time, the winner will receive £1000, courtesy of Square Peg Media.
The Polari Prize is for a first book which explores the LGBT experience and is open to any work of poetry, prose, fiction or non-fiction published in the UK in English within the twelve months of the deadline for submissions (this year 1st February, 2012). Self-published works in both print and digital formats are eligible for submission.
The five shortlisted books are:
The Frost Fairs by John McCullogh (Salt)
Ey Up and Away by Vicky Ryder (Wandering Star Press)
Becoming Nancy by Terry Ronald (Transworld)
Exit Through The Wound by North Morgan (Limehouse Books)
Modern Love by Max Wallis (Flap)
The winner will be announced at the Polari 5th Birthday on Monday 26th November and will receive a cheque for £1000, courtesy of Square Peg Media.
The judges for the 2012 prize are:
Paul Burston (Chair of Judges), author, journalist and host of Polari
Rachel Holmes, author and former Head of Literature at the Southbank
Suzi Feay, literary critic
Joe Storey-Scott, books buyer
Bidisha, writer, critic and broadcaster
Paul Burston, Chair of the judges, said:
“This is a really strong short list which reflects the diversity of LGBT literary voices. These five writers tackle a wide variety of themes and subjects through a range of different genres. They each offer humour and insight. The judges would like to congratulate the five shortlisted writers and would also like to thank Linda Riley of Square Peg Media for her generous support in celebrating the inventiveness, distinctiveness and excellence of the very best of queer writing”.
The media partner for the prize is Square Peg Media, publishers of g3 and OUT In The City.
Visit the Polari First Book Prize on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/147117115339036
