A novel prize for your digital idea

They say everyone has an idea for a book, and we are looking forward to sharing yours.

HeraldScotland is partnering with Blasted Heath to offer one reader the chance to win the new publisher’s entire publication list for 2012 (around 20 ebooks) as well as its back catalogue of nine novels.

Second and third prize winners will each win a Blasted Boxset - a gift tin containing five digital novels on a USB stick.

To be eligible to win, send us your pitch for an ebook, in no more than 100 words, with the distinction that this book should have the potential to be published digitally.

It’s up to you what you send - it can be an outline for (or excerpt from) a cracking piece of fiction, or an idea that explores the digital medium further, such as a plan for a graphic novel with audio, or an interactive non-fiction work.

We can’t arrange for a publisher to snap you up, but we will display the best entries on HeraldScotland.com, giving potential authors the added chance to gain exposure for their ideas.

Blasted Heath was started in November by novelist Allan Guthrie and digital expert Kyle MacRae, aiming to give authors the opportunity to launch their work in digital format, and readers the opportunity to access fresh, quality writing.

The publisher’s initial list includes crime novels, such as Dead Money, by Ray Banks, a cinematic psychological thriller, The Man in the Seventh Row, by Brian Pendreigh, and the urban morality tale Wee Rockets, by Gerard Brennan - with more titles set for publication in the new year. Find out more (and look out for some ideas for your own e-book pitch) at www.blastedheath.com.

In 2012 Blasted Heath will be running a series of workshops about the practicalities of writing, publishing and selling ebooks. The events, in Glasgow and Edinburgh, will cover digital publishing opportunities, the nuts and bolts of self-publishing, and the importance of social media for promotion and sales. You can find out more on their website.

Competition details

Please email your ideas for a book, in no more than 100 words, to hs@heraldandtimes.co.uk by Monday, January 16th. The winner will receive digital copies of Blasted Heath’s current and 2012 novels, by arrangement with the publisher.

Two runners-up will each receive a Blasted Heath box set of a presentation gift tin, containing a USB stick with five novels.

The winners will be notified by Monday, January 30th and their pitches will be published online alongside those of other entrants. By entering the competition, you agree to your 100 word entry being published indefinitely on www.heraldscotland.com.

The judges will be the HeraldScotland.com editor and a publisher from Blasted Heath. Their decision is final.

Full HeraldScotland terms and conditions apply.