WriteNow

Every great book starts with an idea...

WriteNow is Penguin's award-winning programme to seek out, nurture and publish new writers from communities under-represented on the nation's bookshelves.

The programme is designed to give participating writers the tools, information, and access needed to navigate the publishing industry and launch their career as a successful author.

"WriteNow is the ultimate boot camp for aspiring writers. I entered with a dream and left with a plan."

Charlene Allcott, author of The Single Mum's Wish List

This year's programme

This year's application window will run from Wednesday 24 April to 11.59pm on Sunday 16 June 2024. This year we are looking exclusively for books that fall within the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres.

If you are working on a book that is not eligible for WriteNow, you can find more support on our Getting Published hub.

What does WriteNow offer?

A free workshop on how to get published, held online and open to all applicants
One-to-one feedback on your writing from a Penguin editor, for shortlisted applicants
The opportunity to hear from published authors, literary agents, and industry experts to understand the industry and pathways to publication
The chance to join our year-long programme, matching you with an editor to offer expert support and advice while you work on your book

How does WriteNow work?

WriteNow is open to any unpublished, unsigned writer based in the UK or Ireland, who identifies as coming from an under-represented background or community in publishing.

Each year the programme focuses on specific genres of writing to ensure we can provide specific and tailored support to applicants as they work on their manuscripts. This year we are specifically looking for books that fall firmly within the fantasy, science fiction or horror genres.

To begin with, writers apply with 1,000 words of sample writing. At each stage of the assessment process, we will ask for more writing — first a further 5,000 words, and then up to 40,000 words.

A final handful of writers will join the year-long editorial programme where they are matched with an editor to work on their book.

WriteNow's impact at a glance

850 writers have had one-to-one feedback on their manuscript from a Penguin editor
Over 1,000 writers have attended 11 regional or online workshops on how to get published
62 writers have been mentored by Penguin editors specialising in their genre
28 writers discovered through the programme have book deals and counting, 21 with Penguin and seven with other publishing houses.
Over a quarter of shortlisted writers went on to get their book acquired or published elsewhere

Join the conversation online

Follow the conversation about WriteNow on Twitter @PenguinUKBooks. We use the hashtag #WriteNow.