After years of giving millions of dollars to literacy programs, bookstore employees and librarians, James Patterson has now launched an initiative on behalf of emerging authors.

The bestselling novelist and true crime writer announced Wednesday the first 12 recipients of grants from his “Go Finish Your Book” campaign. Authors each will receive up to $50,000 to help them complete their manuscript.

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“There are so many incredible stories out there that never get written because life gets in the way. I wanted to give these writers a little time, a little space, and a push to say: your voice matters — now go finish your book,” Patterson said in a statement.

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