The winner of the Fresh Blood horror writing contest (see this article) has been announced: Aaron Dries won for his novel House of Sighs. The contest was co-sponsored by ChiZine Publications, Leisure Books, and Rue Morgue magazine.
ChiZine Publisher Brett Alexander Savory announces that his firm will be publishing the winner in limited edition hardcover. This book will mark CZP’s first foray into contest publishing, a move which he hopes “will foster a closer relationship with fellow publishers as well as readers. We’re excited to find new talent and take part in a contest with some great names in the horror genre. In addition to myself, CZP co-publisher Sandra Kasturi, and Tightrope publisher Halli Villegas, we had some great author-guest judges: Jeff Strand, John Everson, Nate Kenyon, and Bryan Smith. Everyone contributed to the excitement of picking the winner, and being able to get together with Rue Morgue and Leisure really spoke to the rapport of the dark fiction community.”
Kasturi adds “Although we were judging the final choices for the contest, House of Sighs was ultimately chosen by public vote. The initial batch of titles were chosen by Leisure, and a top 10 list generated by CZP and Leisure from there, posted online for the public to read from and vote for the best. It kind of turned into a literary Survivor when it came down to the top 5, with titles being voted off each month until the winner remained. I think this was a really interesting way for our readers to get involved with the publication process, which is a rare thing! We’re really excited to see the audience reaction.”
CZP will be releasing the hardcover of House of Sighs on 15 February 2011 in limited edition format, with each copy numbered and signed by the author and cover artist, Erik Mohr.
The book is available for pre-order now on this page for $50.