SLUSH PILE CHALLENGE January 2018 Results
Thérèse Coen, Rights Director and Agent at Hardman and Swainson set the following challenge:
"I'd like to see a one-line pitch, blurb and first chapter of a middle grade fantasy or sci-fi adventure with
either friendship or family at its heart."
 |
| Thérèse Coen |
We received fifty-six entries from members across British Isles and Europe for this competition. Thérèse agreed to read all of the submissions. This is what the agent told us when announcing the results:
“Thank you everyone who submitted their entries into
January’s slush pile challenge, I had a huge amount of fun reading all the submissions,
and I found the standard of writing and stories very high indeed!
In the end, I struggled so much to decide, that I’m
chickening out and picking two winners:
THE
GHOST PARTY by Penny Wilcox
and BLUE by Alex Gibson. I am really
looking forward to discussing both titles with their authors!
I thought The
Ghost Party was such a fun take on the haunted house and ghost family concept,
and loved the clear, crisp and energetic writing. The short first chapter really
seems to set the stage for a terrifically fun story.
Blue had
captivating writing, and a quirky sense of humour which really resonated with me
as well as a smart, audacious protagonist with a great mind of his own, a very original
setting and intriguing plot.
I really struggled to whittle down my shortlist, and
there were several super strong titles in there, all very different, which I think
all deserve a really high mention:
A Chain
of Wishes by Kate Rosevear: Very intriguing, fresh and creative
concept and a lovely voice, I really want to know what happens next!
The
Superpower Switch Off by Lindsay Littleson: A very original and humorous
inverse superhero plot.
House
of Clocks by Amelia Thorne: Gripping opening and unusual setting,
has created intrigue beautifully.
The
Firestone of Avisriel by Alison Padley-Woods: Superb and very compelling writing
– who doesn’t love a story about birds?
All six of these entries were very original – either
they were highly original plot ideas, or were really fun, new twists on more traditional
concepts. I think all these authors should feel hugely encouraged to keep writing
their stories!
I'd just like to say a big congratulations to all the
writers who entered this competition, as I said there were plenty of good quality
entries which made it very hard to choose. It's been a privilege to take part in
the challenge, thank you so much for letting me set a Slush Pile Challenge (am I
allowed to do more?!) and I wish you all the very best of luck with your writing.”
Congratulations to Penny Wilcox and Alex Gibson from all of us at Words
& Pictures. We hope they are well on their way towards getting their stories
published.
Well done to the
Thanks to everyone who entered. Keep writing and we hope you will be encouraged to try your hand at appropriate competitions.
Founded in 2012, Hardman & Swainson is a dynamic London-based literary agency with a diverse range of clients. The agency prides itself on providing an excellent service to our authors, working closely with them at all stages of their careers. They have an international focus and make it a priority to sell clients’ work in as many territories as possible. The agency represents quality writing of all kinds and welcomes submissions and queries from new and established writers. They are a member of the Association of Authors’ Agents.
Elaine is a member of the Words & Pictures' editorial team, managing The Slush Pile Challenge for writers.
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