Bard and Book, a Community of Authors Riding the Wave of the Digital Book Revolution, Announces Writing Contest in Celebration of 5,000 Downloads

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bard and Book is a community of authors taking full advantage of the digital book revolution. In just six months, their short stories have been downloaded over 5,000 times. To celebrate their success, they are going to host a novel contest. Besides the cash award and offer to publish winners may receive, they will be invited to start their own author community, just like the one at BardandBook.com.

Founder, publisher, and Bard and Book author Anthony Horvath says that he is not surprised that their stories have been read so many times, but he is surprised at what has attracted attention.

"Believe it or not, one of our top reads is a story called 'Amish Love Story' by Derek Elkins. It pokes fun at the glut of stories in that genre and is one of the top sellers. Derek's wit is also on display in his story on 'How to Take Over the World and Enslave Mankind Using Common Household Items.' This story has even been featured as one of the free downloads available to those who 'like' the home page at SurveyTrends.us," Horvath says.

The Bard and Book author community will judge the novel contest. Not only are most of the Bard and Book authors themselves winners of writing contests, some are already judges in other writing contests, as well, making them ideally qualified to host the contest. For example, Derek Elkins and Chris Morrow have each won novel contests, Elkins for his upcoming book "Life Unworthy of Life" and Morrow for his recently released "The Devil's Choir." Robert Cely and OJ Wolfsmasher are experienced judges.

Bard and Book Publishing is offering $2,000 as a grand prize, $1,000 for second prize, and $500 for third prize. Perhaps the real value is the fact that the judges will each provide a one-page critique on each of the novel submissions they read. Even if someone doesn't win the contest, they can still benefit from participating in the contest by growing from the feedback they receive by one or more judges.

The Bard and Book author community began in July 2012 as the brainchild of author and publisher Anthony Horvath. Horvath realized that the digital book revolution was a great opportunity for authors, but it has created problems for readers.

"The sheer amount of content available makes it hard for readers to sort out the good from the bad. Bard and Book solves this problem by creating a community of authors and readers," Horvath says. "The readers always know that they are going to get high-quality reading material on a regular basis.  Plus, it is free to become a member, so there is no risk to them for trying out the community."

Winners of the Bard and Book Novel Contest will also be invited to start their own author community, otherwise known as an 'author pod.' Horvath believes that such communities represent the publishing model of the future, as authors look for new ways to connect to readers.

Entries are already being accepted in the writing contest. The deadline is October 1st, 2013.  Winners will be announced in early 2014. The entry fee is $100. Contest information and requirements are posted to the Bard and Book website at http://bardandbook.com/bard-and-books-2014-novel-contest/1905.html

Bard and Book's website is http://www.bardandbook.com.

Contact: Anthony Horvath
Email:  [email protected]
Phone: 608-385-6231

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SOURCE Bard and Book Publishing