Norwich-based writer Sarah Perry has been shortlisted for the International Dylan Thomas Prize with her second novel The Essex Serpent.

Eastern Daily Press: The Waterstones Winter Edition of The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry published by Serpent's Tail, which has won Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. Photo supplied by Serpent's Tail.The Waterstones Winter Edition of The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry published by Serpent's Tail, which has won Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. Photo supplied by Serpent's Tail. (Image: Serpent's Tail)

Launched in 2006, the prestigious award honours work in the English language written by authors under the age of 39.

The recipient of the award will receive an incredible prize of £30,000.

Books by independent publishers dominate the shortlist, alongside The Essex Serpent, which was also recently named Waterstones Book of the Year.

The Gothic novel, published by Serpent's Tail, is set in the 1890s and follows widow Cora Seaborne as she discovers her small village in Essex is being terrorised by a mythical beast.

The Essex Serpent was also nominated in the Costa Book Awards and recognised by the Books Are My Bag Readers Awards.

Also shortlisted for the prize are Fiona McFarlane, Alys Conran, Luke Kennard, Anuk Arudprgasm and Callan Wink.