The Puffin Graphic Novel Competition

Calling comics creators!

Puffin Books are excited to announce their Graphic Novel Competition. This initiative aims to seek out, nurture, and publish new graphic novel creators from communities under-represented on the nation’s bookshelves. Here at Puffin, we aim to publish a story for every child, and our graphic novels are no different! Immersive and accessible with imagination on every page, we want every reader to see themselves reflected in our books.

The competition will be open to any comics creator who is 18 or over; living in the UK or Ireland; and who identifies as coming from an under-represented background or community. Graphic novel story pitches and artwork aimed at children and young people aged five and older are welcome for submission, and entries can be submitted by an author, illustrator or author-illustrator. The initiative will be open to any under-represented creator, including those who may have already found a route to publication, or already have agent representation.

The winning project will receive a publishing contract with Puffin, with a view to potential publication in 2027.

To enter, creators will be invited to submit the following:

- A package of one page of finished artwork in either colour or black and white; three pages of rough artwork (which must include text/speech); and a detailed plot outline

OR

- A package of five pages of a script; and a detailed plot outline

FAQs:

When will the competition open?

The competition will open for entries in May 2025. The entry window will be open for two weeks, or when the 500^th valid application has been received, whichever is the soonest.

Where will I submit my entry?

We will be asking creators to submit their work via an online portal. Further details will be announced soon.

Will you be accepting postal entries?

No. Due to the volume of submissions we expect to receive, we can’t accept entries through the post.

I want to create stories for Young Adult readers. Can I enter?

Yes! Although our list is primarily middle-grade, we are open to submissions for older teenage readers.

I am an artist, but not a writer. Can I still enter?

Yes! We want to hear from authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators.

How do I know if I'm from an under-represented community?

If you feel that your community, or your background, needs a stronger voice and a platform in publishing we would love to hear from you. This could include (but is not limited to):

If you identify as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer)
If you identify as Black, Asian or minority ethnic
If you are disabled or have a long-term condition
If you come from a socio-economically marginalised background, for example if you ever received free school meals or if you or your family have ever been on income support, homeless, or at risk of homelessness
If you have or have ever had refugee status

Does my book have to focus on "issues-based" narratives?

No, not unless you want it to.

What if I am published, self-published or already have agency representation?

Our competition is open to all comics creators, including previously published and self-published authors and writers, as well as those who already have an agent.  

Do I need to be a UK or Republic of Ireland resident to apply?

Yes. As the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition is being run by Penguin Random House in the UK and ROI our programme is only open to UK and ROI residents. You don't need to have permanent citizenship — just a current and valid UK or ROI address. Please note that employees of Penguin Random House cannot apply.

How old do I need to be to enter?

You must be 18 years old or over at the time of entering.

Who will be judging the competition?

All valid submissions will be assessed by a judging panel made up of individuals with publishing expertise within Penguin Random House. Ten longlisted entrants will be selected, followed by five shortlisted entrants, and finally one winner.  The winner will be the entry that in the opinion of the judges is of high literary and artistic merit, is exciting and engaging for children, and has strong commercial opportunity. We expect to announce the winner in Autumn 2025, and will keep all longlisted and shortlisted creators fully informed of timings.