Diagram Prize shortlist 2007

Here's the wonderful shortlist for the 2007 Diagram Prize; this really does looks like a vintage year.

My favourite competition of the year is run by columnist Horace Bent in the Bookseller (the UK book trade weekly) with input from dedicated odd title hunters from all over the world. The prize, set up in association with the Diagram Group, has been running since 1978 and is a joyous celebration of the barmy side of publishing.

The 2007 shortlist:

I Was Tortured by the Pygmy Love Queen

How to Write a How to Write Book

If You Want Closure in Your Relationship, Start with Your Legs

Are Women Human?  And Other International Dialogues

Cheese Problems solved

People Who Mattered in Southend and Beyond: From King Canute to Dr Feelgood

A really hot list, we'll keep you posted on the winner!

The Bookseller's announcement

© Chris HolifieldManaging director of WritersServices; spent working life in publishing,employed by everything from global corporations to start-ups; track record includes: editorial director of Sphere Books, publishing director of The Bodley Head, publishing director for start-up of upmarket book club, The Softback Preview, editorial director of Britain’s biggest book club group, BCA, and, most recently, deputy MD and publisher of Cassell & Co. She is also currently the Director of the Poetry Book Society; During all of this time aware of problems faced by writers, as publishing changed from idiosyncratic cottage industry, 'occupation for gentlemen', into corporate business of today. Writers encountered increasing difficulty in getting books edited or published. Authors create the books which are the raw material for the whole business. She believes it is time to bring them back to centre stage. 2008