News: Leisure Books' Fresh Blood contest

Leisure Books, the company "leading the way in publishing paperback horror," is partnering with Rue Morgue magazine in association with ChiZine to present "Fresh Blood," a new writing contest specifically for unpublished horror authors.

The winner will receive a contract for publication in Leisure's 2011 lineup, as well as a contract from ChiZine Publications for a limited-edition hardcover release, also in 2011.

Leisure is looking for finished horror novel manuscripts, either supernatural or non-supernatural, of 80,000 – 90,000 words. A panel of experts, including Leisure Executive Editor Don D'Auria and editors at ChiZine, will judge entries. The finalists will be announced in November 2009.

From December through July 2010, monthly competitions in categories such as "Best Summary," "Best First Line," "Best Title," and "Most Frightening Scene" will run on ChiZine. Readers will have the opportunity to vote for their favourites, and after each deadline, entries with the fewest votes will be eliminated.

The winner will be announced in August 2010 at Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear in Toronto, Canada, as well as on the Leisure Books and ChiZine web sites.

Entries should be sent to Submissions@dorchesterpub.com by September 30, 2009. "Fresh Blood" must appear in the subject line of the email.

For full entry details, visit the Leisure Books website or ChiZine.