Search for a Bestseller

Have you always thought that you have a novel in you? Well now is your chance to get a lucrative publishing deal. The Richard and Judy Bookclub have launched a competition to find a new bestselling writer. Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan have become powerful figures in the publishing world with critics coining the phrase ‘the Richard & Judy effect’ to describe the effect that endorsement by them has on sales of a novel, often turning debut writers into millionaires.

The winner, who must be a first-time author, will win a £50,000 publishing deal with Quercus and receive free advice from literary agency Furniss Lawton, as well as a year's worth of PR.

Search for a Bestseller is open to unpublished writers, who must submit between 10,000 and 12,000 words, along with a synopsis of the rest of the book. There are no restrictions on genre, but the novel should be aimed at adults. Self-published writers are not eligible. Aspiring authors have until January 1 to submit their entries, via Richard and Judy's website http://richardandjudy.whsmith.co.uk/search-for-a-bestseller-form/