J.K. Rowling Nominated For Crime Writing Award

For someone who doesn't really exist, Robert Galbraith has had a very successful imaginary life. Currently, Robert Galbraith — aka J.K. Rowling — is long-listed for a crime writing award, the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. So best of luck to...him? Her? Them? Best of luck to the book, let's say!

Robert Galbraith, J.K. Rowling's pseudonym, has so far published three books in the Cormorant Strike series. Since Rowling was outed as the true author, the various books have become international bestsellers and received a great deal of recognition, including awards like the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for mysteries and thrillers for The Cuckoo's Calling. Now the third novel in the series, Career of Evil , is nominated for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year.

A total of 18 books are on the longlist, including works by past winners Val McDermid and Mark Billingham, bestsellers such as Ann Cleeves, and debut authors such as Ruth Ware. In other words, it's a highly varied mix of authors — one that also includes the pseudonymous military veteran who's actually a world-renowned children's author.

The festival's literary manager Gemma Rowland said that the mix of contenders just goes to show that “even the giants of the genre are constantly kept on their toes, with debut voices as serious contenders.”

The longlist is selected by academy of crime authors, publishing experts and reviewers. They will announce the shortlist, which will consist of only six authors, on May 31st, at which point people will be allowed to vote for their favorites, though the popular vote is only a contributing factor in selecting the winner. The winner will be announced in July at the Theakstons Old Peculier crime writing festival.

So will Robert Galbraith, aka J.K. Rowling, prevail? Only time will tell, but I have to say — for someone who doesn't really exist, Robert Galbraith certainly is having quite an excellent literary career.