Announcing the first Litlink/NRWC Manuscript Award where entries are open to all writers resident in regional NSW, outside the Sydney metropolitan region. LitLink is a Statewide literary network, linking the nine writers' centres across NSW, supporting and promoting regional writers and developing audiences for Australian literature. Manuscripts may be fiction or narrative non fiction, and must be completed to a final draft stage. Sections of manuscripts or incomplete works will not be accepted. Unfortunately, picture books, poetry and performance pieces are not eligible for consideration. It is essential that works submitted have not been published in part or in full in any form. Deadline for entries, to be sent to the NRWC, is 5pm Monday 30 March, 2009. Each entry must be accompanied by the authorised entry form, available online at www.nrwc.org.au or from the Centre, Level 1, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay. There is an entry fee of $35 per manuscript, to assist with administration and adjudicating. A shortlist of four will be announced by Friday 29 May. The shortlisted writers will appear at the Byron Bay Writers Festival 2009, where the winner will be announced in a dedicated session. The shortlisted manuscripts will each be read and considered by Annette Barlow of Allen and Unwin, and the ultimate winner will receive a prize, details of which to be confirmed shortly. Enquiries and further information from the Director, Jeni Caffin, at 02 6685 5115 and jeni@nrwc.org.au