Just a quick post. I won the Irish regional section of the Undiscovered Authors Competition for 2005 but so far have received no prize money. Are there any writers out there who have won a prize in this comtition had the same experience? It looks like their website is still active.

I had no luck accessing their website. Do you have a phone number for BookForce who ran the competition? I'd suggest giving them a ring.

I've been speaking to them and all I get is excuses. I joined the Irish Writers Union who are following it up but so far nothing.

Congratulations on your win - but not getting the prize money is awful. Have you considered going to the press and shaming them a bit?

The national press in Ireland wouldn't really go after a story like that, it would be a long way down the list of priorities. Also, to an earlier reply, the Undiscovered Authors site is taking a short break according to its sister site, Discovered Authors. According to that site the 07/08 competitions are being planned but before you start getting your manuscripts ready I would think again. I would hate any other writer to be as let down as I was, its hard enogh coming up with the words and ideas without this sort of thing happening.