One of the nation’s favourite TV presenters, Claudia Winkleman, has joined a judging panel which is searching for the best self-published story in the UK.
The Strictly Come Dancing host will help to decide who the worthy winner of this year’s Kindle Storyteller Award should be, with the top tale receiving a whopping £20,000 prize.
The Award – which is now open for entries – is in its fourth year, and celebrates the best self-published story in the country. As well as the prize money, the winner will receive a marketing promotion for their story on Amazon and a mentorship to help them develop their writing skills.
Claudia will be joined by four other judges, including last year’s winner Ian. W Sainsbury, best-selling self-published authors L.J. Ross and Mark Dawson, and Amazon EU Books Director Simon Johnson.
While readers play a pivotal role in helping to choose the shortlist of stories, the judges get the final say, choosing the winning book based on criteria of originality, creativity of content, and the quality and style of writing.
Commenting on her appointment to the judging panel, Claudia Winkleman said: “I’m incredibly excited to join the judging panel for the Kindle Storyteller Award. It’s so important that initiatives like this exist, giving new authors the chance to share their stories and be recognised on their own merit.
“As a keen reader, I have always admired skilful storytellers and I love being part of an endeavour that celebrates the writers who have seized the opportunity to create their own work and have it read by millions.”
Since winning the award last October with his first-ever psychological thriller, Ian W. Sainsbury’s novel The Picture on the Fridge hit the number two spot on the Kindle bestseller list in the run-up to Christmas.
He has since written another thriller and created an Audible Original story.
Ian said: “I’m still pinching myself that The Picture on The Fridge was chosen as the winner out of thousands of entries. It was such an incredible feeling and I am excited to join this year’s judging panel. Whatever genre you write in, this award is all about recognising compelling stories. If that sounds like you, I’d urge you to enter. This could be your year!”
Simon Johnson, Director, Amazon EU Books said: “We’re always incredibly impressed with the level of talent among the authors that publish their books through Kindle Direct Publishing and, as we receive entries for the fourth year of the Kindle Storyteller Award, it’s clear that the quality is as strong as ever.
“We’re thrilled to have Claudia on board as a judge for this year’s Kindle Storyteller Award. Her passion and enthusiasm for reading is contagious and she’s a real champion of the literary world.”
The Kindle Storyteller Award is open for entries from now until August 31st, 2020. All titles must be enrolled in Kindle Direct Publishing Select while they are in the competition. For further information, visit www.amazon.co.uk/storyteller.
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