Well, that's what is on offer from Biscuit Publishing. A genuine publishing contract.

They used to run a competition similar to the Fish competition, but now have changed it to a unique "portfolio" competition.

It sounds a bit weird at first, but they are after new writers that they can sign for a major work (rather than just the usual inclusion in the anthology), so they ask for one short story, plus the first 2-300 words of two other pieces. This allows them to judge if you're up to a longer work (usually a novella, around the 40k mark or a personal collection).

So why am I promoting this? Firstly, I think a lot of writers on won't be put off by the portfolio idea (more likely to be attracted by it!), and secondly... I did the website!

biscuitpublishing.com

Colin M

Looks verrrrrry interesting, Colin. Do they have any connection with NAWG? That address looks familiar.

Dee

Yeah, the MD was involved with the formation of NAWG - he's been Hon Sec; Chairman and Festival Organiser. There's an old interview on this site with him. Somewhere.

I entered that Colin!! Did you?

Sarah

No. I don't have anything good enough. I'm working flat out on novels. Did you put something in that's been on here?

Yeah (I WW you back btw) one of my short stories is uploaded in short story 11. I uploaded about five others but two of them were openings...