Congratulations to everyone who entered The Marlowe and Christie Novel Prize! The standard was amazing and we are so grateful to all those who trusted us with their words. Today we are releasing our shortlist, which is divided into Commended and Highly Commended Entries. The ten best pieces from the Highly Commended list will be forwarded to the agents and Patrick Gleeson for feedback and further consideration for the cash prize. The Shortlist is attached here on Marlowe and Christie Skool. Congratulations again, everyone!

Just received feedback from a different competition I entered. It was the same piece as I entered here, and was also waitlisted for Harper Collins Author Academy last month. I was absolutely disgusted by the completed disinterest shown by the reader/s and there was no attempt at finding positives in the extract. I don't usually grumble about stuff, but really the feedback was practically an insult. Compared to Issy's feedback, it was chalk and cheese! Anyone else had this from other competitions? It was a national one, so no excuse.

The book I submitted for the competition is now a best seller! The Right Members Club hit number one in political humour last week and is still there (as I type) - it also briefly crested to number one in Comedy on Amazon as well. But was quickly thwarted by John Robins new book! Just want to share it as I'm ecstatic! It also is trying to combat the mental hate and division in our country. So local elections probably played a role! Cheers everyone, happy Saturday!

Is the suspense of waiting for the rest of the commended list driving anyone else out of their minds? With such a flimsy deadline for the full winners list, I am beside myself with anxious anticipation and it is stressing me out. Anyone else with me on this? Or are you just shaking it off?

A few people have asked about when feedback and competition results will be available. Feedback will issued piecemeal in February and March - it's just a matter of chance if you get yours at the start or end of that period. Winners will be announces in early April. Good luck all!