Why so much hype? Being on Granta’s best young novelists list has its drawbacks | Sarah Hall

In 2013, I was one of the chosen 20. Today, I still question the accolades and gimmickry around making the gradeIn 2013, the fourth Granta Best of Young British Novelists (BYBN) list was published, and I was among the 20 writers selected. I was 39 and had published four novels and received several award. To what extent I was chosen or was a “ready-made” for the judges, I don’t know. When the 2003 list came out, my debut, Haweswater, had been published and The Electric Michelangelo was in manuscript form. Living in North Carolina, agentless and clueless about the industry or submission process, I doubt I was under consideration.In compiling these once-in-a-decade lists, Granta’s judges and influencers claim to foresee “big names” in the future British literary scene. A writer must be under 40, resident or citizen and have published a literary novel or be about to. I wasn’t registering the 2013 list. Some writers live in a dim cave, some anticipate calendars, some network. When the news came, I was pleased. It’s nice to be spotlit, validating to have work endorsed by critical experts, especially other novelists. Then things became uncomfortable. Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2023-04-16 10:00:08 UTC ]

Other news stories related to: "Why so much hype? Being on Granta’s best young novelists list has its drawbacks | Sarah Hall"


PW Automates Job Moves Submissions

PW has automated the submission process for news about new hires, promotions and departures. Now subscribers can share information about career changes directly with us, though a data entry form on our website. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-08-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


My hero: Maya Angelou by her publisher Lennie Goodings

The late author's UK editor remembers a funny, gracious, kind, demanding, delightful and wise human being and writer of one of the world's great autobiographiesMaya Angelou was one of the world's most important writers and activists. She lived and chronicled an extraordinary life: rising from... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2014-05-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Maya Angelou Dies, Aged 86

The author and activist Maya Angelou, who died at her home in North Carolina, is best known for her 1969 autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (Random House). Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-05-28 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this


Job Moves: March 20, 2014

Michael Taeckens, marketing director at Graywolf Press, will be moving to North Carolina in mid-May to run his own marketing and publicity business. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-03-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this