Can you prove your writing ability in just 416 words?
In 416 pages, Miranda’s creates a charming and deliciously funny tale of romance, all starting with a kiss. Well, we want you to have a go too - in 416 words exactly - no more, no less. All you need to do is take the title IT STARTED WITH A KISS, create a masterpiece of flash fiction, and send it to us. So that it’s not too challenging, we’re welcoming any style and any genre – so let your imagination run wild.
Finer points:
Send your submissions to YourAuthonomy@harpercollins.co.uk
Closing date for submissions is midnight, October 16th (416 hours away, in fact).
The winning author will be invited to submit the first 20,000 words of their manuscript to be reviewed by Miranda’s amazing editor.
They, alongside 4 runners up, will also receive a signed copy of Miranda’s new novel, publishing November 10th.
You’ve got an hour a word… what are you waiting for?
Watch this space for details on how you could have evening drinks with Miranda, Princess of Romantic Comedy, in a stunning 5 star London hotel!
24 comments:
Brilliant competition :) I'm 100% entering this. You would have to be mad not to.
Thank you, Miranda, and her editor for sponsoring this contest. I have two questions.
1. Should our submissions be sent as a Word document or as an e-mail with the work pasted into the body?
2. Does the flash fiction have to be part of the manuscript that will be reviewed, or can it be a standalone piece of work?
Great. I shall certainly enter. Knowing the answers to Rodney Battles' questions will help. Ta.
@Rodney. You can submit as word doc, or within the body of the email. Either is fine. As far as the flash fiction goes, it doesn't need to be something from your MS. In fact, it's probably more likely to do well if it is a standalone piece. We're looking for someone who can illustrate their skill by creating something brilliant within the guidelines set.
Hope that helps.
Brilliant. Way to go authonomy.
Hugs and kisses.
Would the piece of flash fiction need to begin with 'It started with a kiss', or is it merely the required motif?
Also, may we submit more than one piece of flash fiction, or is one the magic number?
Finally, does the Queen actually smoke?
Is it only fiction Avon will be looking at or can I have a go with a view to my MBS works to have a chance too?
Great just submitted. Had a few more ideas. Can we submit more than one entry?
Does the 416 words include the title?
Is this contest open to UK authors only?
I would be interested to know if the 416 words includes the title or not. Thank you.
Hi all - any genre is fine. 416 doesn't include the title. Open to all over the world, not UK only... And as many entries as you like. Phew, hope that helps!
Thanks very much, that's very helpful.
Thank you very much. Think I'll submit right now. Enjoying the challenge of limiting to 416 words.
I noticed, when preparing my entry, that my version of Word (Word Starter) counted dashes as separate words. I've had to remove them from my entry to ensure that it is exactly 416 words when counted by Word and by hand. Something for people to bear in mind...
The New writers' website http://drubbles.com is a dedicated flash fiction site. Write a complete stroy in 200 words exactly. Check it out.
Fabulous! What an incentive.
My MS is complete at 416 words, but Microsoft Word v2007 counts 'raven-dark hair' as only two words. Am I to count hyphenated words as one word or two for this competition?
I've used Microsoft Word and relied on the programme's in-built word counter to arrive at 416 words exactly. Please tell me that this is okay and my entry isn't exempt! It has counted e.g. I've as one word. PLEASE LET THIS BE OKAY!!!
Can we post our entries before the winner is announced?
What a wonderful opportunity; thanks for the chance and good luck everybody.
A fantastic opportunity for one of us! Thank-you all.
As a postscript... I THINK I entered this comp., saying it with 7 minutes to go until the deadline!
I clicked on the Email link, ready to send, but got an Outlook Wizard window instead. I went thru the wizard, eventually getting what looked like an email box. So I wrote a brief note and attached the entry (as a Word docx.) Clicked send and a box said something about Microsoft sending me a Test email - which it did.
Unsure that my email had been sent, I did it again via my usual Email account (Google).
Well, nothing's pinged back at me... yet. Just hoping my entry arrived, and that I can live in hope for a little while! xx
Good luck to those who have entered.
When are the results of the competition going to be announced??!
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