Im this case, I would take "published" as meaning an ISBN number. This means that self-published people may well be out of the comp, but I would double check with the organisers. For example, I wouldn't consider work included in a writers' group anthology as being "published" even it was one of those prestigious comps (Fish or Biscuit).

Most people take "published" to mean that a third party has invested a good deal of money in getting your work available for others to read, and paying the author for the rights. That means that some online publishing (say, OnlineOriginals) might count as published, but having work on here, or having a short story published in "thirteen" magazine wouldn't.

I don't think you can define fields though. Whether it's a crime thriller novel or adult erotica, if you've had a novel published, I'd imagine that would rule you out.

As for the competition itself, I think its a brilliant idea. The marketing (ie the instore and window displays) are worth the advance any-day. The prize is more likely to be the royalties. Also, it's easy to get things out of proportion when you hear about these silly advances, but a thousand pounds is still a LOT of money to most people. It might not buy you a country estate, but it'll give you a damn good shopping spree.

Colin M

Well I'm going to have a go. I think the publicity outweighs any advance or royalty to an unpublished author. It's hard enough (impossible even?) to get noticed unless you happen to know a publisher/agent personally. There will be a huge amount of interest in the press for this prize.
Sue

Well I'm going to have a go. I think the publicity outweighs any advance or royalty to an unpublished author. It's hard enough (impossible even?) to get noticed unless you happen to know a publisher/agent personally. There will be a huge amount of interest in the press for this prize.
Sue

<Added>

whoops - a bit keen with the enter button there! Sorry!

Me too. And like I said before, that window display is the thing of dreams: what's the point of having a book on a shelf if nobody knows it's there?

Colin
(best get writing if I'm to finish by Sept 30th)

Good luck - and every blessing - thanks for the clarification on previously published... i have had such trouble interpreting that in the past. I think your definition is spot on. Helen

So...how did everyone do?

I got the old 'close but no cigar' letter this morning.

This happens to me everytime I enter a competition (only done 3 ever).

Still, for those of use who were on the long list but didn't quite make the short list, it is some comfort. I actually do take great encouragement from 'please keep writing, you have a lot of potential'.

In the words of the host of a tiny, isolated yet heavenly little hotel I once found in Cancun, as he greeted us after a long taxi ride through scrubland; 'Paradise must be hard to find'.

I've just got that letter too, Maria! Interesting that they received more than 3,500 entries - wonder how many reached the 'close but no cigar' stage?

Frances

I've got a different letter appreciating my time and effort, telling me the standard of competition was extremely high and suggesting that I contact the Literacy Consultancy for further advice.

So it looks like mine was away in the far distance, and I am more than a little shocked to find my entry was so bad it warranted this response; I know the Consultancy is excellent but I didn't realise I needed its services.

<Added>

Slight error: I meant The Literary Consultancy

I haven't had a reply at all! Wonder what that says? Still laughing?
Sue

I've just read through this thread. I'm rather late joining in as I have only recently become a member here.
I thought the sound of the conditions for the Waterstones/Faber competition actually sounded rather good! A chance to be published by a major publisher and promoted in a well-known chain of bookstores - that sounds like an opportunity not to be passed up, advance or no advance. It's a tough market out there.
My first two chidren's picture books were published by a small company with extremely limited distribution. The conditions of the contract were extremely good. All the royalties for the first print run were paid to me in advance. However, I experienced the frustration of the company being unable to market the books well.
I'm just about to sign a contract with a different publisher for two other books (to be published in spring 2006 - hopefully). The conditions of the contract are pretty bad! No advance and I won't even dare to tell you the royalty payment. But they are a big company and they're going to distribute my books worldwide through their offices and affiliates. I am going into their line-up alongside all kinds of famous authors. I tried to negotiate some of the conditions and nearly lost the contract! But I'm not complaining. Seems like a great opportunity and maybe one day I'll be able to give up my OTHER part-time work as well. One day......

Pattacake

<Added>

I meant 'children's books'. Must learn how to proofread properly!

I found this very interesting, thank you Pattacake. I would be very interested to know how this second very different approach pans out.

It looks as if the children's writing group is full at the present, but I for one would be delighted if you would let the children's group forum know if you put a picture book on the site for comment. Your experience and experiences would be very welcome.

Issy - my letter also said 'if you would like further advice on your writing, please contact The Literary Consultancy...' - so I imagine they're saying this to everyone. Maybe even to the winner! No, maybe not...

Frances

<Added>

Sue H - sounds like you might be through to the next stage of the comp. Silence is good.

Thanks Frances! Sadly, I just think it's our crappy south east london postal service. If you hadn't heard by the end of September, you weren't through. Oh well!
S
x

I found a short news report about the competition results on: http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,6109,1591664,00.html. Appears to be a mixed collection of types in the short list.

I still haven't heard from Waterstones! Although i know I am not through because the shorlisted were announced on This Morning. Seems like they were oversubscribed or just not very well organised. Others are reporting different 'no thank you' letters. Any updates on this?