This year’s programme

It starts with just 1,000 words...

Submissions for WriteNow are currently open and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 8 January 2023.

You'll need 1,000 words of writing and a synopsis of your proposed novel in order to apply.

This year we are looking exclusively for commercial fiction for adults. This means books with a fast-moving plot and a gripping hook that reels the reader in — fiction novels that will engross and captivate readers. In particular we're interested in reading compelling love stories, family drama, crime, thriller, and comedy novels.

Partnering with BBC Studios

This year, for the first time, we are partnering with BBC Studios to offer writers an opportunity to expand their understanding of both the publishing and TV industries.

Timeline

Initial applications

Applications open at 11am on Monday 7 November

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 8 January 2023

Shortlisting phases

Phase 1

All shortlisted applicants will be contacted by Friday 27 January and asked to send a further 5,000 word submission from their book (the submission) by Sunday 27 February.

They will then be invited to a one-to-one feedback session with a Penguin editor in March.

Phase 2

Following these feedback sessions a number of applicants will be selected from the initial shortlisted group of writers and contacted by 10 April. These writers will be asked to send their full submission (up to and including a full manuscript) by 31 May.

These selected writers will be invited to a second one-to-one feedback session between 7 and 21 June.

Editorial programme

The winning applicants invited to join the editorial programme will be notified by the end of July.