An independent publisher from north Norfolk is in line for literary glory after seeing one of its novels listed for the Man Booker prize.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris and Jen Hamilton-Emery .PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYChris and Jen Hamilton-Emery .PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2012)

Salt Publishing, run by Chris and Jen Hamilton-Emery from their home in Cromer, has made the Man Booker longlist thanks to The Many, the debut novel by Wyl Menmuir.

Mr Menmuir is one of 13 authors in contention for the prize, with the shortlist announced next month. The £50,000 winner will be revealed on October 25.

It is not the first time Salt has been in contention for the literary prize, with The Lighthouse by Alison Moore securing a coveted place on the Man Booker shortlist in 2012.

Mr Menmuir is one of four first time novelists on the list, alongside two-time winner JM Coetzee's latest book The Schooldays of Jesus.

The Many tells the story of man who moves into an abandoned house on the edge of an isolated Cornish fishing village. The longer he stays, the more disturbing life becomes.

Originally from Stockport, Mr Menmuir now lives in Cornwall with his wife and two children.

Mrs Hamilton-Emery said: 'Our editor, who is based in Manchester, came across Wyl, realised he was writing a fantastic book and encouraged him to submit for publication. 'The sea plays a very big part in the story, so it really resonated. I was absolutely bowled over especially as it was Wyl's first novel. It is a very mysterious, surreal story, about grief, loss and redemption.

'The book had had very few reviews and not received much attention, but you cannot get better attention than this.'

She added: 'It is almost impossible to get long listed since the rules were changed. American authors are now allowed to be entered and the large presses can enter far more books than their smaller cousins. We never thought we'd manage another listing, but we have.'

More information at www.saltpublishing.com