Ten years ago, we launched WriteNow with a clear goal: to find and nurture brilliant new writers from communities under-represented in publishing, so that more people can see themselves reflected in the books they read.
From first ideas and early drafts to finished books finding their way into readers’ hands, we’re proud to have played a part in so many writing journeys and to have seen WriteNow authors go on to build exciting careers – at Penguin and beyond.
As we celebrate ten years, we’re looking back at some of the stories, people and books that have shaped WriteNow so far – and forward to the next generation of writers waiting to be discovered.
3,500
writers reached through tailored workshops
900+
writers provided with 1:1 editorial feedback
35
authors published at Penguin and beyond
Since 2016, over 100 books have been published by WriteNow alumni. Amongst those is Nazneen Ahmed Pathak’s City of Stolen Magic – an epic fantasy adventure set in India in 1855.
To celebrate 10 years since Nazneen joined our inaugural WriteNow cohort, we took a trip to meet a group of students studying her debut novel at Blue Coat School in Coventry.
Supported by Penguin’s Lit in Colour resources, Blue Coat School have introduced City of Stolen Magic as a library text for their KS3 students.
Applications for WriteNow will re-open in October 2026. Sign up to our Getting Published newsletter to be the first to hear.
A free workshop on how to get published, held online and open to all applicants.
The opportunity to hear from published authors, literary agents, and industry experts to understand the industry and pathways to publication.
One-to-one feedback on your writing from a Penguin editor, for shortlisted applicants.
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.
WriteNow is open to any unpublished, unsigned writer based in the UK or Ireland, who identifies as coming from an under-represented background or community in publishing.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 writers working on children’s books for ages 0-12.
To begin with, writers apply with a sample of their writing and synopsis. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a second stage of the assessment process where we will ask for more of your writing – a second book for picture book writers and a further sample of up to 20,000 words for chapter and middle grade writers.
A final handful of writers will join the year-long editorial programme where they are matched with an editor to work on their book.
Got more questions? You can find additional answers on our FAQ page here.
• Over 900 writers have had one-to-one feedback on their manuscript from a Penguin editor
• 3,500 writers have attended regional or online workshops on how to get published
• We've helped to launch the careers of 35 exciting debut authors – at Penguin and beyond.
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