Free contest, Harper Collins - Alibi Crime Writing Contest, prizes: trip to Sweden/ Kindle/ books (UK)

Deadline: 1 May 2011

Alibi has teamed up with HarperCollins and Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Harrogate to unearth some of the country's hottest new crime-writing talent of 2011 and we're asking you to submit your very own crime fiction short story.

Your story should be between 1,000 and 2,500 words and should refer to your local region and create a strong sense of place. Click on 'Competition Criteria' below for a full overview of what we're looking for.

Eight regional shortlist finalists will win tickets to attend the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Harrogate (with travel and two nights accommodation included), where they'll get to the chance to rub shoulders with leading authors and agents from the crime writing world including best-selling author Camilla Lackberg. They'll also be invited to attend the Creative Thursday writing workshop to hone their skills.

The winner will be announced during a special reception on the opening evening of the festival and will get a fantastic holiday to Sweden with two nights in a central Gothenburg hotel, a Kindle and a library of 100 Harper Collins crime books including a signed Camilla Lackberg back catalogue.

Entries must reach us by noon on 1st May. The eight shortlisted stories will be announced on 1st June and will go before a public vote and an expert judging panel to determine the winner.

Competition Criteria

We're looking for a short crime story that creates a strong ‘sense of place’ about your local region. Your story will also be judged on:

• Originality of the story
• Strength of the characters
• Structure of the story
• Intrigue and predictability of the crime

Please also be aware that:

# Your entry must be between 1,000-2,500 words

# Your story must be entirely your own work

# Your story cannot have been published or self-published previously

# Your story must have a 'sense of place' about your local region

# There is only one entry per person

# Entry is open to UK residents only over 18 years of age

Click here for the full terms and conditions.

Enter the competition now.

More information here.