AustLit
History
The Daily Telegraph's £1000 novel competition announced its competition in October, 1945. Closing date was October, 1946, so that returning ex-servicemen and women could compete.
The aim of the competition was to encourage new writers. The winning novel was published simultaneously in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and the United States and guaranteed sales of 100,000 copies.
Notes
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This competition has been held only once.
In October 1945 the Sydney Daily Telegraph announced that it was offering one thousand pounds sterling for a novel written by an Australian in Australia. The winning manuscript was to be serialised by the newspaper and published as a book in Australia and overseas. When rival newspaper the Sydney Morning Herald countered with a competition offering two thousand pounds sterling, the closing date for entries was extended until 30 October 1946.
In August 1947 Florence James, and Dymphna Cusack were informed that their entry 'Unabated Spring' (re-named 'Come in Spinner') was the prize-winner. They received their prize money in 1948. The novel was finally published by another publisher in 1951.
Latest Winners / Recipients
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Year: 1945-1946
winner y
Come in Spinner
Melbourne
:
Heinemann
,
1951
Z846941
1951
single work
novel
The action revolves largely around the Hotel South Pacific where the girls and the 'occupying' American troops meet in the vestibule, while upstairs in the Marie Antionette beauty salon the attendants Deb, Guinea and Claire, each with her own complicated romantic entanglement, work long hours to disguise the shortcomings of their rich, fat clientele. A book sharply observant of the new era ushered in by WWII.
Works About this Award
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Revisiting the 'Mystery of a Novel Contest' : The 'Daily Telegraph' and 'Come in Spinner' 2000 single work criticism
— Appears in: Australian Literary Studies , October vol. 19 no. 4 2000; (p. 413-424) -
Mystery of a Novel Contest 1951 single work criticism
— Appears in: Meanjin , Autumn vol. 10 no. 1 1951; (p. 56-60) -
News Notes 1950 single work column
— Appears in: Meanjin , Autumn vol. 9 no. 1 1950; (p. 76-77) -
News Notes 1949 single work column
— Appears in: Meanjin , Autumn vol. 8 no. 1 1949; (p. 57)
