Submission for this year's Six Pack are now closed after a record number of applications. Project Director Michele Powles said about 500 entries were received.

2008 Celebrity Judges Tamati Coffey, Stacey Morrison (nee Daniels), Dave Armstrong, Graham Beattie and Carole Beu will now decide the final cut for this year's Six Pack. The public can also vote for one of ten works.

The popular collection of six short stories offers a slice of exciting new literature for only six dollars. It has raced to top of the NZ Bestsellers list in the previous two years.Submission for this year's Six Pack are now closed after a record number of applications. Project Director Michele Powles said about 500 entries were received.

2008 Celebrity Judges Tamati Coffey, Stacey Morrison (nee Daniels), Dave Armstrong, Graham Beattie and Carole Beu will now decide the final cut for this year's Six Pack. The public can also vote for one of ten works.

The popular collection of six short stories offers a slice of exciting new literature for only six dollars. It has raced to top of the NZ Bestsellers list in the previous two years.With 16 years television experience and nearly as many in radio, Stacey Morrison (nee Daniels) says she has been hugely influenced by her love of reading. She admires and supports NZ writers, relishing her role as a judge this year.

Also from Television is TVNZ's Breakfast roving reporter and weather presenter Tamati Coffey. Proclaimed as one of the most exciting young personalities on New Zealand television, Tamati completed an honours degree in Political Studies at Auckland University before his break on iconic kid's show What Now and proclaims a secret love of libraries.

Dave Armstrong, perhaps best known for his Television writing, also boasts an array of award winning playwright credits including King and Country, The Tutor and Nui Sila. He is also an accomplished author, with a chapter of his new novel The Speechwriter appearing in last year's Six Pack Two.

Previously the Managing Director of Penguin Books NZ, Graham Beattie now works as a book reviewer, judge of book awards, and his recently launched daily blog - Beatties Book Blog - is widely regarded as essential reading for anyone in publishing.

Joining the team from Thursday mornings on EasyMix radio, owner of the Women's Bookshop in Ponsonby Carole Beu has been previously involved with the Listener Women's Book Festival and for many years was on the Board of Booksellers' New Zealand. Moreover she is the undisputed grand high tea-mistress of the Ladies Litera-Tea, one of the Auckland highlights of New Zealand Book Month.

The sixth judge involved this year is as important as the other five celebrities. YOU. NZ Book Month 2008 invites the public to vote online for one of ten works. Make sure you have your say by picking the final voice of New Zealand writing in The Six Pack Three.

"Now in its third year this Six Pack is going to be a cracker." Powles adds "For only $6 it's something all Kiwi's can enjoy - and something all Kiwi's can feel they've contributed to either by submitting work or voting for their favourite story."

NZ Book Month is a national celebration of NZ books and NZ writers. The month is supported by writers, booksellers, publishers, librarians and book lovers of all ages and descriptions, and is inspired by the exceptional literary talents found in Aotearoa. Check out www.nzbookmonth.co.nz to explore how NZ Book Month has something for everyone.

Public Voting for this year's "Six Pack" opens May 13 and closes June 6th

01/03/08