FAQs
Scroll down for answers to frequently asked questions under the following headings:
How has WriteNow changed this year?
About the editorial programme
About you and your writing
About the application process
How has WriteNow changed this year?
What genres are you accepting this year?
This year we are looking exclusively for books that sit within the science fiction, fantasy or horror genre. We are looking for middle grade (books aimed at children aged 8-12), YA, and adult fiction.
If you are working on a book that is not eligible for WriteNow, you can find more support on our Getting Published hub.
Why are you only accepting science fiction and fantasy applications this year?
By focusing the programme on specific genres we are hoping to engage more writers of science fiction, fantasy and horror, and to better support them with a tailored workshop and editorial programme.
I am writing a book in a genre that isn't accepted this year. When will I be able to apply?
We will continue to focus WriteNow on specific genres in order to provide the best support we can to writers. Unfortunately this means we are unable to say when we will focus on each genre.
Are you working with BBC Studios again this year?
We worked with BBC Studios to find writers working on romance, crime, and thriller novels. As this year's focus is science fiction and fantasy, we are not partnering with them this time round.
About the editorial programme
Is a publishing contract guaranteed if I'm one of the writers selected for the year-long editorial programme?
No. We will work with you to prepare your manuscript towards publication but there is no guarantee you will receive a publishing deal from Penguin.
If I join the year-long editorial programme, will I have to publish my book with Penguin?
Penguin are investing time and resource in the writers we'll be supporting through our year-long programme, and so we will ask you to give us the first option (i.e. first refusal) of publishing your book. This means that you must afford us the opportunity to bid for the publishing rights (which will include media rights) to your manuscript before approaching other publishers.
If another publisher makes you an offer first, you'll still need to give Penguin a fair chance to bid for your manuscript and discuss this with us before accepting another offer.
In the event that we cannot reach an agreement after 30 days of good faith negotiations, you'll naturally be entitled to take your manuscript elsewhere or take up any other offers you may have been made.
This first look for both Penguin only applies to writers who join the WriteNow editorial programme, and only on the book you're working on with us. You can view the terms and conditions here.
Will you cover my travel expenses?
For writers who join our year-long programme, we will cover all related travel from any part of the UK and Ireland to our London offices, and accommodation where required.
About you and your writing
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:
- 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. Providing your application falls into the genres we are looking for this year, it can be about whatever you want.
Do I need a finished manuscript to apply?
You don’t need to have a complete manuscript to apply, although if you are shortlisted for the year-long editorial programme we will ask for up to 40,000 words of writing.
Will I get any feedback on my application?
After applications have closed, we will publish a blog post giving an overview of common themes and general feedback from the editors involved in the assessment process. Unfortunately, we aren't able to give individual feedback to every applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.
If you are successful in your application and are longlisted, you will receive personalised feedback on your work from one of our editors. Writers who are shortlisted will receive a second round of feedback.
What if I’m self-published, published in another format or genre, or published as part of an anthology?
We are happy to receive applications from writers who have self-published or been published as part of an anthology. We are also happy to receive applications from writers who have been published in another format altogether such as a magazine or newspaper.
We are unable to accept applications from writers who have already had a book published by a commercial, non-academic publisher.
About the application process
Is it free to take part?
Yes. The WriteNow application process, workshops, and editorial programme are all free to those taking part.
How do I know that you've received my application?
We recommend using Google Chrome when submitting your application. You should be directed to a 'Thank You' page after submitting your application, confirming that we have received your application. Please note that you will not receive a confirmation email.
If you are not redirected to the 'Thank You' page, please email us at writenow@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk to confirm we have received your application.
Do I need to be a UK or Republic of Ireland (ROI) resident to apply?
Yes. As WriteNow is being run by Penguin 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.
If you are currently homeless or do not have a fixed address, but reside in the UK or ROI, please get in touch with the WriteNow team by emailing writenow@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.
What is the application timeline?
Initial applications
- This year's application window will open at 11am on Wednesday 24 April
- Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 16 June
Longlisting
- All longlisted applicants will be contacted by Friday 12 July and asked to send a further 5,000 word submission from their book by Friday 16 August
- They will then be invited to a one-to-one feedback session with a Penguin editor in September
Shortlisting
- Following these feedback sessions a group of applications will be selected from the longlisted applicants and contacted by Friday 20 September. These writers will be asked to send up to a further 40,000 words and a detailed outline synopsis by Friday 1 November
- These selected writers will be invited to a second one-to-one feedback session in November
Editorial programme
- A final group of applicants will be invited to join the year-long editorial programme. They will be notified by Friday 6 December.
How will you decide who is shortlisted?
We will assess applications based on two factors:
• Quality of writing and originality: assessed by a Penguin editor
• Meeting our desired criteria: as part of your application we'll ask you to tell us, in your own words, why you feel your voice is under-represented in books and publishing. Your answer will be assessed by our partner Spread the Word, a writer development charity, together with members of our Human Resources team.
Can I apply with more than one manuscript?
No, we will not accept multiple submissions from the same writer. If you submit multiple entries, we will take your latest entry forward for assessment.
If I applied in the past, can I apply to WriteNow again?
We aren’t accepting applications from writers who have previously successfully applied and received personalised feedback from a WriteNow editor. This is to ensure that as many writers as possible have the opportunity to take part. If you have previously applied but were not shortlisted, longlisted, or joined the editorial programme, then you are welcome to apply again.
Contact us
Questions? Send us an email at WriteNow@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.