Zondervan has announced a writing competition for first-time novelists, with the winner receiving a $10,000 advance and publishing contract from the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based publisher.

Sponsored by Zondervan and Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, "All About the Story" is open to any unpublished writer who has attended a past Mount Hermon writer's conference or who is registered for the group's conference next year.

"We know there are many talented Christian fiction writers who just need an opportunity like this to get the break they need to become a published author," said Dudley Delffs, vice president and publisher of trade books at Zondervan. "We are pleased to partner with Mount Hermon to uncover top-writing talent just waiting to be discovered."

All finalists will have their works recognized during the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's Christian Book Expo, debuting in Dallas, March 20-22 next year. The winner will be announced April 4, 2009 during the Mount Hermon Writers Conference

The winning author will also receive feedback from editors and judges, including best-selling Christian fiction authors Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock, Brandilyn Collins and Noel Hynd.

For more information about the contest, click here.