Stormzy launches #Merky Books New Writers’ Prize competition

The #Merky Books New Writers’ Prize will narrow down entries of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry with a panel consisting of Stormzy, Yrsa Daley-Ward, award-winning poet Kayo Chingonyi, a guest judge yet to be announced, and more.

Stormzy's new competition is the first move from his #Merky Books imprint since announcing the first independent title to be released on the publishing imprint last October.

Expanding on the new competition, Stormzy says, "I know too many talented writers that don’t always have an outlet or a means to get their work seen and hopefully #Merky Books can now be a reference point for them to say "I can be an author" and for that to be a realistic and achievable goal. Reading and writing as a kid was integral to where I am today and I from the bottom of my heart cannot wait to hear your stories and get them out into the big wide world."

The shortlist will be announced on 2 May, before narrowing it down to revealing the winner on 6 June. The winner will receive a publishing contract with #Merky Books.