Dubai, UAE, June 2, 2018:  Organisers of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature have announced that pre-registration for the Montegrappa Writing Prize is now open. The competition has produced eight published authors in the last five years and is regarded in the region as one of the most significant ways for aspiring writers to get their work noticed.

First-time novelists from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia are eligible to enter, providing that they are 21 years or older and have never published a novel before. Entries can be on any theme, but must be in English and include a 400-word synopsis of the book and the first 2,000 words of the almost completed manuscript.

All entries will be judged by international literary agent Luigi Bonomi, founder of Luigi Bonomi Associates (LBA) and literary agent for several previous Festival authors, including Rachel Hamilton and Lucy Strange, who were both discovered as a result of entering the competition. 

The winner of the Prize will have the chance to discuss their manuscript with Luigi Bonomi and although a book deal is not guaranteed, a number of past winners have gone on to earn multi-book deals and become published authors. The winner will also receive a two night stay at a five star hotel in Dubai and a Montegrappa Limited Edition pen.

“As a home grown literary Festival which over the last 10 years has become a global highlight on the literary calendar, we are proud of to be able to connect talented aspiring writers from our region with globally renowned agents and offer a chance at getting published through our Festival. We have had tremendous results in the past with eight first time authors landing publishing deals, and look forward to discovering who’s next,” says Festival Director, Ahlam Bolooki.
Submissions will open on 9 October and the winner will be announced at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2019 (1-9 March).