Announcing the final results for Searchlight’s Best Novel Opening for Children or Young Adults 2022 competition. In the last few months we’ve reviewed hundreds of brilliant entries, arrived at a longlist of twenty-one outstanding stories, and then passed the baton to our agent judge Amber Caravéo. Selecting the top 10 stories from this impressive group, including an overall winner, has been incredibly difficult for our judge. But here are the long-awaited results.
Best Novel Opening for Children or Young Adults 2022
Winner
The Penny Prophet by Holly Jessop
Shortlisted Entries
Across The Moonlight Bridge by Vikki McLean
Disaster Tourist by Taslin Pollock
Drowning the Light by Jo Baker
Marvin’s Gift by Miranda Nugent
Railers by Andrew Stevenson
Southern Belles by Emily Ould
The Chronicles of Cora Gunn by Clare Saxby
The Watchers by Catriona Riordan
Truth Is Not A Solid Thing by Kathryn Clark
Many, many congratulations to our final 10. We absolutely love these stories and look forward to including them in Searchlight’s agent/publisher pitch book. Congratulations as well to all our entrants. Thank you for being brave and allowing us to read your work. It has been a privilege. You are amazing writers – keep going.