Melville House Books

In Great Britain, the second Pop Lit Idol is getting underway, according to a BBC News wire story. Aspirants must submit “up to 10,000 words from the opening chapters of their novels and a synopsis,” a shortlist will be selectd, and five finalists will read from their work before a panel of judges. A public vote also takes place, and the winner is announced at the London Book Fair. “The winner gets a deal with literary agency Curtis Brown.” Last year’s winner, Paul Cavanagh, got a book deal with HarperColins. Also announced: The host for this year’s event is writer Tony Cowell, brother of the host of the original Pop Idol, Simon Cowell. Tony Cowell, however, says “he will be more pleasant than brother Simon.” “I’m not going to be the Mr. Nasty of books,” he says.

Dennis Johnson is the founder of MobyLives, and the co-founder and co-publisher of Melville House.