Make Crime Pay – leading literary agent is looking for new crime novelists

AM Heath is one of the UK’s major literary agents. It won’t be long before they are celebrating their 100th birthday and they have a very impressive author list. For example, they represent the estate of George Orwell  and the interests of Hilary Mantel so that shows what kind of company you would keep if they chose to sign you up. And they just might if you fit this profile:

• You don’t have an agent

• You haven’t been published (but self-published authors are welcome to apply)

• You were born in UK and Ireland or live there

• You’re writing a crime, suspense or thriller novel

• It’s brilliant

AM Heath are running a competition called Criminal Lines to discover hidden talent. To enter, send the first 15,000 words and a synopsis (max 800 words) of your novel as word documents to: criminallines@amheath.com

Unlike similar opportunities, AM Heath don’t insist that you finish your novel before submitting BUT your synopsis does need to show you have a clear vision for the book. (Click  HERE for advice on writing a synopsis.)

 You need to get busy because time is not on your side.

You must submit your entry by midnight on Bank Holiday Monday May 4th
A shortlist of five novels will be announced on 1st June 1st, and a winner on July 1st.

The winner and runner up get £500 but the real prize is that all the writers on the shortlist will have meetings with the agency about their work.  “We will offer representation if we find an author, or authors, whose writing we love.”

There aren’t many rules – but don’t waste your time by ignoring the few that have been put in place. You can read all the details HERE

If you’re an emerging crime or thriller writer good luck. If you’re not, share this door-opening opportunity on twitter, facebook and whatever else you’re into. I’m a firm believer in what goes around comes around….

photo credit: Preston Castle via photopin (license)