July 9, 2001: Demonstrating its commitment to literature, Amazon.co.uk today announces the launch of the 2001 Amazon.co.uk Writers' Bursaries.

The Amazon.co.uk Writers' Bursaries were awarded for the first time in 2000 and enable new writers to complete that critical second project, which can make or break every author's career. Last year's winners were Justina Robson's Mappa Mundi and James Flint's 52 Ways To Magic America. The winning titles will be published on October 12, 2001 by Macmillan and January 7, 2002 by Fourth Estate respectively.

This year entrants will compete for one of two £3,500 bursaries. They will also be awarded £500 worth of Amazon.co.uk gift certificates. Each submission must include the first and only published work by the author, a synopsis of 500 words of a currently unpublished novel that has been accepted for publication and a 3000 word writing sample.

The 2001 judges are as follows: David Baddiel, Maya Jaggi, Emily Perkins, Jenny Colgan and Amazon.co.uk's Managing Editor, Rachel Holmes. Emily Perkins said, "We're really looking forward to receiving this year's entries to the Writers' Bursaries. If the last year's standard has set any precedents then we expect to be judging entries from the cream of young British literature."

Important Diary Dates
August 13, 2001--closing date for submissions
November 22, 2001--shortlist announcement
February, 2002--award ceremony

Bestselling author Zadie Smith, who led the 2000 judging panel, said, "A second novel is a problematic enough thing anyway, but when the creative challenge is combined with financial difficulties, that can make the writer's task seem impossible.

"Amazon.co.uk's award enables writers to get a little space and time in which to concentrate on the job at hand. It is the kind of prize that is genuinely in touch with what every writer needs to fulfil their potential."

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

About Amazon.co.uk

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Forward-looking Statement

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