RTÉ gives undiscovered writers chance to win book deal
Anybody who insists they have a book in them are to get the chance to prove it - and win a €10,000 publishing deal, it was announced today.
RTÉ has teamed up with one of the country’s leading publishers Gill and Macmillan in a search for an undiscovered writer.
Would-be authors will be able to tell their story next month on Radio One’s Tubridy Show on the proviso that its true, a bit different and out of the ordinary.
The winning entrant in the Ireland and UK-wide contest will get an exclusive book deal with Gill and Macmillan and the help of a ghost-writer if needed.
“Nearly everyone in Ireland believes they have a book in them,” said presenter Ryan Tubridy.
“They certainly have a story to tell, we all do, and that’s what we’re trying to tap into with this competition.
“This country is going through such interesting times that must make for fertile ground for fascinating stories.”
Organisers are looking for an unusual, human story with a strong Irish angle during the fortnight-long competition.
“It could be a childhood memoir with a twist, an account of an interesting career, a personal story that captures the zeitgeist of 21st century Ireland, or one of less frantic times,” said an RTÉ spokeswoman.
“Either way it must be original, captivating, enduring and honest.”
A telephone line will open on May 1 to allow entrants aged 18 and over leave a three-minute message outlining their true story.
A judging panel made up of The Tubridy Show, a leading author yet to be announced, Gill and Macmillan and a bookseller will pick a shortlist.
Those in the running for the top prize will be interviewed on the radio show before the winner is revealed on May 21.
“Combining our listeners’ love of reading and this country’s sense of storytelling should ensure an intriguing tale will emerge,” said Tubridy.
