London, January 29, 2002: Amazon.co.uk today announced the shortlist for its 2001 Writers' Bursary Awards. The five shortlisted authors were chosen from a longlist of 10 by a judging panel comprising writer and comedian David Baddiel, journalist and critic Maya Jaggi, novelists Emily Perkins and Jenny Colgan and Amazon.co.uk's Web Site Manager Rachel Holmes.

In alphabetical order by author, the shortlist* comprises:

1. Eleanor Bailey, Marlene Dietrich Lived Here, Black Swan, Transworld

2. Janette Jenkins, Another Elvis Love Child, Chatto & Windus, Random House

3. Danny King, The Bank Robber Diaries, Serpent's Tail

4. Sarah May, Spanish City, Chatto & Windus, Random House

5. Charlotte Mendleson, Daughters of Jerusalem, Picador, Pan Macmillan

The Amazon.co.uk Writers' Bursaries, now in their second year, will be awarded to two writers to help them complete their second books. The winners will each receive a bursary of £3,500 plus £500 worth of Amazon.co.uk gift certificates.

Commenting on the shortlist, Robin Terrell, Managing Director of Amazon.co.uk said, "It's a common misconception that initial success from a first novel seals an author's career. In fact, it's the second novel that is notorious for making or breaking writing careers and Amazon.co.uk Writers' Bursaries are designed to support fresh British writing talent at this critical point."

Rachel Holmes, Web Site Manager, Amazon.co.uk said, "The quality of the contenders is extremely high with entries reflecting the full range of creativity, and diversity apparent in new British fiction."

Judges made their shortlist selection based on each author's first and only published work, plus a synopsis of 500 words from their second novel and a 3000 word writing sample. The two overall winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 7, 2002 at the Sanderson Hotel, London.

* NB. The texts are work in progress and may be working titles only

For further information please contact the Amazon.co.uk press office on 020 8636 9280.

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