The annual Flash 500 Short Stories Competition has a £500 first prize, for original, unpublished short fiction, 1,000-3,000 words. All themes and genres are welcome, including stories for children. Prizes are £500, £200 and £100. The entry fee is £7 for one story, £12 for two, £16 for three, £20 for four. The closing date is 28 February 2022. Website: https:// flash500.com/ short-stories/
In an annual letter to authors, Hachette UK CEO David Shelley warned that supply chain problems are causing the ‘most extreme’ challenges he has seen in his career. The Bookseller reported his annual letter to authors explained how factors including the pandemic and Brexit have led to increased costs on paper, printing and shipping costs, along with delays. The problems will at least persist throughout 2022, he expected.