Manchester student makes literary longlist

16 Jul 2012

A University of Manchester Masters student has been included on the longlist of the Polari First Book Prize for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender works of literature

Poet Max Wallis, who studies at the Centre for New Writing, was chosen by the judges for his book collection Modern Love which  examines love in the modern age, including affairs carried out on social media.

The prize rewards exceptional first works - including poetry, non-fiction and fiction - about the LGBT experience. The list includes three self-published works, alongside others from established publishers.

Despite all being grounded in LGBT experience, the nominations cover a vast range of tones, topics and stories.

Paul Burston, Chair of the judges, said: "This is a strong long list which reflects the diversity of LGBT literary voices and the variety of ways in which authors make their voices heard. The judges would like to thank Linda Riley of Square Peg Media for her generous support in celebrating the inventiveness, distinctiveness and excellence of the very best of queer writing."

The short list will be announced in September and the winner will be announced at the Polari 5th Birthday on Monday 26 November.