Giant Booksellers Launch Writing Contests

“Amazon.com, Penguin Group (USA) and Hewlett-Packard Co. have launched the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, which offers a contract with Penguin and a small advance, $25,000. Meanwhile, Borders Group Inc., Court TV and Gather.com announced “The Next Great Crime Novel” competition, with the winner receiving $5,000 and a publishing deal through Borders, the superstore chain.”