Robin Wade, Literary Agent
While working as a Political Risk Insurance Broker in the City, Robin Wade wrote a book but struggled to find an agent. Taking matters into his own hands, he managed to bluff his way past a receptionist, spoke directly to an editor and within two weeks he had an offer of publication. Robin wouldn’t recommend this as the ideal way to approach publishers, but the contacts he made through his own writing gave him the confidence to set up as an agent, with his invaluable experience from the author’s point of view.
‘It is a real privilege to judge a writing competition. The range of undiscovered talent is always amazing.’
Carla Josephson, Fiction Editor
Carla is a fiction editor at Simon & Schuster, where she has worked since 2012. She has edited a wide range of books, from commercial fiction to literary fiction and is currently building her own list of authors.
‘I’m delighted to be a judge for the First Novel Prize. It’s a wonderful chance to highlight new talent and I look forward to discovering a fantastic new voice in fiction.’
Lorena Goldsmith, Literary Consultant
Lorena works as a managing editor at Daniel Goldsmith Associates and commissioning editor at Aston Bay Press. She has written Self-editing Fiction that Sells (2013) and is a regular contributor to literary magazines in the UK.
‘What we’re hoping to find with the First Novel Prize is an outstanding new writer and a brilliant debut.’
Eleanor Evans, Prize Manager Eleanor will handle submissions on behalf of the organisers. She will review all the entries to ensure that they qualify for entry before being sent to the judges. If you have any queries, you can contact Eleanor at eleanor@firstnovel.co.uk or on 020 3667 7236.