For seventeen years the Pulp Idol competition has uncovered the best new novelists the city of Liverpool has to offer.
Many new novelists, including Ashleigh Nugent (LOCKS), Ariel Kahn (Raising Sparks), James Rice (Alice and the Fly, Walk), Clare Coombes (Definitions), Natalie Denny (Keisha Jones Takes On The World) and Philippa Holloway (The Half Life of Snails), have found their first success through Pulp Idol. This competition is unearthing the best new novelists from Liverpool and across the country.
All finalists get their first chapter published in a book of ‘Firsts,’ which is produced in hard copy, a digital manuscript and made available on Amazon Kindle (and free on Kindle Unlimited!). Copies of Pulp Idol – Firsts are sent to agents and publishers.
Amber-Page Moss: Pulp Idol 2025 Champion
Amber-Page Moss was crowned the Pulp Idol 2025 Champion for the opening chapter of her novel, The Lyverdeep. She was announced as the winner at the Pulp Idol Grand Final at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre Studio on 21 February 2025, after twelve emerging novelists presented their work to the judging panel.
Amber is a writer, spoken-word poet, actor and education professional from Merseyside. She studied Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic at the University of Cambridge and has worked in teaching, university outreach and widening participation. Alongside her writing, she has considerable experience performing in community and professionally produced theatre.
The Lyverdeep is Amber’s winning novel. Her opening chapter is published in Pulp Idol – Firsts 2025, alongside work by the runners-up and fellow finalists.
The 2025 Runners-Up
Sue Hooton and Sarah Hinks were named runners-up in the 2025 competition. Their opening chapters appear alongside Amber’s in the published anthology.
Sue Hooton – The Mentor
Sue Hooton was selected as a Pulp Idol 2025 runner-up for the opening chapter of her novel The Mentor. Her work was developed through the editorial stage of the programme and published in Pulp Idol – Firsts 2025.
Sarah Hinks – Bound to the Bones
Sarah Hinks was selected as a Pulp Idol 2025 runner-up for the opening chapter of her novel Bound to the Bones. Her chapter was edited and published in Pulp Idol – Firsts 2025.
All twelve Pulp Idol 2025 finalists are published in Pulp Idol – Firsts 2025. The anthology brings together the opening chapters of twelve new novels and offers readers, agents and publishers an introduction to an exciting new group of writers.
The anthology features:
Celebrating the 2025 Writers
The Pulp Idol – Firsts 2025 anthology was launched at Sefton Park Palm House as part of Writing on the Wall’s festival programme. Amber-Page Moss, Sue Hooton, Sarah Hinks and fellow finalists shared their work and reflected on their development as writers.
The launch celebrated not only the winning chapter, but the achievement of all twelve finalists in developing their work for publication and becoming part of the growing Pulp Idol community.
Buy the anthology: Pulp Idol – Firsts 2025 in the Writing on the Wall bookshop
Pulp Idol is Writing on the Wall’s annual novel-writing competition for new and emerging writers. For more than seventeen years, it has helped writers develop their work, build confidence, make connections and take the next step towards publication.
Pulp Idol has supported the early careers of writers including Ashleigh Nugent, Ariel Kahn, James Rice, Clare Coombes, Natalie Denny and Philippa Holloway. The competition continues to uncover bold new voices from Liverpool and across the country.
Unlike many writing competitions, Pulp Idol is designed as a development journey rather than a single submission and result. Entrants have opportunities to share their work, receive feedback and connect with other writers and publishing professionals.
The heats
Entrants read from the opening chapter of their novel and answer questions from a judging panel. Selected writers progress to the Grand Final.
The Grand Final
The finalists read to a panel that includes established writers and publishing professionals. The judges select the Pulp Idol Champion and runners-up.
Editing and development
Each finalist works with an experienced editor, writer or industry professional to strengthen their opening chapter.
The anthology
Every finalist’s edited chapter is published in the annual Pulp Idol – Firsts anthology. The book is launched at a public celebration attended by writers, readers and industry guests.
Pulp Idol has introduced readers and the publishing industry to a growing community of new novelists. Previous winners include Natalie Denny, Lewis Jennings, Andy Billinge, Em Coombes, Louise Muddle, Roisin O’Grady, Chris Radcliffe, Duncan Ross, Peter Swindells and Magaly Tawakoni.
Earlier editions of Pulp Idol – Firsts are available through the Writing on the Wall bookshop. For older editions, or for enquiries from agents, publishers and anyone interested in contacting past Pulp Idol writers, email info@writingonthewall.org.uk
Watch this space. Announcements about entries for Pulp Idol 2026 will be published soon. Follow Writing on the Wall’s website and social media channels for opening dates, eligibility details and information about how to apply.
For questions about Pulp Idol, email info@writingonthewall.org.uk
Pulp Idol is proudly sponsored by ALCS (Authors Licencing and Collecting Society).
Pulp Idol – Firsts 2024
“Entering Pulp Idol was the most important decision I’ve made on my writing journey. It changed me as a writer, giving me newfound confidence, inspiration, and introduced me to the Writing on the Wall community of industry professionals and fellow writers.
If you’re an aspiring author looking for expert feedback on your work and the chance to build a network, the best thing you could do is enter Pulp Idol. It changed everything for me.” – Kevin Chadwick, Pulp Idol 2024 Champion
Pulp Idol 2024 Champion
Kevin Chadwick – My Next Life
Kevin Chadwick is a fifty-year-old office worker who lives in Birkenhead. Other than five years in London in 1990’s, he has always lived in Merseyside, working in factories and kitchens. My Next Life was inspired by the struggles Kevin has had with depression and anxiety in his twenties, and the colourful characters he knew.
My Next Life
Neurotic dreamer Matt (25) enters court to provide a false alibi for a layabout friend Bob who has stolen an antique travel trunk for him. Matt adopts the persona of a rich businessman believing it will add weight to his testimony. This is how Matt negotiates life, hiding behind a series of outlandish masks. During the cross examination, Matt is more interested in his performance and future success than the legal and moral implications of lying under oath. Matt leaves court unaware a train of events has started that will lead first to his life unravelling then to a life-changing epiphany.
Pulp Idol – Firsts 2023
“Pulp Idol has connected me with a vibrant literary community, introducing me to renowned authors, agents, and industry professionals. As my network expands, so does my craft, with tailored workshops and mentoring sessions to enhance my skills. If you’re an aspiring writer seeking to unveil your voice to the world, I highly recommend entering Pulp Idol. ” – Addae Gaskin, winner of Pulp Idol 2023
‘This competition continues to discover and showcase the very best emerging talent from the area, and to nurture and encourage diverse voices. This year’s finalists are proof of the amazing voices waiting to be heard by a wider audience.’ – Philippa Holloway, 2023 Grand Final Judge, Author, and Lecturer
‘Pulp Idol finds amazing writing talent and kickstarts careers for writers from all backgrounds. This is such an exciting collection that literary agents, publishers, and readers will love.’ – Clare Coombes, 2023 Grand Final Judge, Author, and Founder of the Liverpool Literary Agency
Pulp Idol 2023 Champion
Addae G – Long Time Band
Meet Addae G, the multi-talented writer, playwright, carnival artiste, and dancer who is taking the literary world by storm! Born and raised in Trinidad, Addae’s passion for the arts was ingrained in him from a young age. Growing up, he was inspired by the vibrant energy of Trinidad’s carnival culture and honed his skills as a dancer and carnival artiste, participating in numerous masquerade bands and theatrical productions. It’s this passion for the arts that has driven Addae to pursue a career as a writer and playwright. His work is heavily influenced by Caribbean heritage and the rich cultural tapestry of Trinidad, infused with the dynamic rhythms of calypso and the bold hues of the island’s vibrant Carnival traditions. With lyrical style that’s both evocative and captivating, Addae’s writing transports readers into a world where imagination reigns supreme, and where anything is possible. He invites us to join him on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, encouraging us to embrace our roots, and to celebrate the diversity that makes us all unique. So, if you’re looking for a literary experience that’s full of heart, soul, and vibrant energy, look no further than Addae G – the Carnival King of Words!
Long Time Band
When Bacchanalia, the ancient and powerful deity-muse of Carnival, seeks a host, Little-Man becomes the chosen vessel of her divine energy. As he confronts the challenges and dangers of the ‘new reality,’ Little-Man must also grapple with the demons of the past and the weight of expectations landed on his shoulders as he leads a missions with fierce determination. Get swept through the intoxicatingly vibrant and pulsating streets of East Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago in this afro-futuristic piece.
Pulp Idol – Firsts 2022
“Pulp Idol continues to find and work with some of the finest new voices around and in this years anthology, they have published some of the best.”
– Kevin Duffy, Judge and Co-Founder of Bluemoose Books
“Congratulations to all of the finalists! What a competition. Each piece is a celebration in its own right. Together this is an exciting collection, a promise of what is to come. Personally, I can’t wait to read where your stories take you.”
– Yvonne Battle-Felton, Judge and Author (Remembered, Blackstone 2021)