The SHKP Book Club and Joint Publishing are holding a Young Writers' Debut Competition to help aspiring authors.  With the competition nearing its final stage, the organizers presented a seminar for the finalists with judges and previous winners talking about writing and publishing.  The audience included competition finalists and other entrants wanting to learn more about writing and publishing.  There was a lively exchange between the speakers and those in attendance.  The first competition in 2007 helped seven promising young authors see their first books in print.

Sharing experience

The seminar had competition judges talking about writing and creativity in general.  They explained the selection criteria and what made a successful book. The speakers included People Mountain People Sea member and lyricist Pia Ho, Thumb magazine editor Victor Hui, Commercial Radio strategic planning director Wong Wing and Joint Publishing assistant chief editor Anne Lee.  There were also some of the previous competition winners: Matthew Cheng who wrote The First Book of Recollection, Vivien Yuen who wrote A Tour of Music Lift and Edith Yuen, Eating Tomato Chips.

The competition provides an opportunity for talented young authors, said Ms Anne Lee: "Many young people are interested in getting published.  This competition is special because it provides professional guidance to the contestants throughout the process.  Many candidates had approached us for opinions on their work before this seminar."

Creativity and market appeal

The judges said that a successful book has to be creative and have market appeal.  Mr Wong Wing said that creative thinking was not the only thing that makes a book successful: "A writer should look at what the market wants, not just being creative.  Ask why readers would prefer your book over others?"  When it comes to publishing, profit is as important as artistic value.  Mr Wong said that he regularly goes to bookstores to identify the readership of his books as market research.

Attractive title, hot topic

Mr Victor Hui said that a successful book will attract the readers' attention almost instantly.  "I think that many of the shortlisted entries of the competition are about popular topics and have very attractive names to draw people's attention.  I also think there should be a good balance between creativity and realism, so that you can make your book more attractive."

Self-confidence and curiosity

Ms Pai Ho is well-known for creativity.  She told the contestants the importance of self-confidence and curiosity.  "Self-confidence lets you make your own judgment, and curiosity drives you explore the world.  These two qualities drive me forward like fuel in a car."  Ms Ho said wanting an audience was important for creativity and that constantly reviewing one's work helps an artist better understand style.  She said: "If an artist doesn't have curiosity, he is not likely to produce good work."

The seminar audience also heard winners from the last round of competition talk about their experience and fulfillment.

The second Young Writers' Debut Competition is nearing completion, and up to eight winners will see their books published and on sale at the next Hong Kong Book Fair.