The Puffin Graphic Novel Competition

Calling comics creators!

Puffin Books are excited to announce the Puffin 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 is 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 is 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.

How To Enter:

To enter the competition, creators must:

1. Complete all sections of the application form linked below.

2. Submit a children’s graphic novel proposal through the same form, with the following entry material included:

- One page of your finished colour artwork, three pages of roughs (which must include text/speech) and a detailed plot outline

OR

- Five pages of your script and a detailed plot outline. If we really love your idea, we will eventually work with you to pair you with the perfect illustrator partner.

The application window for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition opened on the 10th of May 2025 at 00:00 BST. The closing date for the submission and receipt of all applications is 23:59 BST on the 25th of May 2025 OR when the 500th valid application is received, whichever is soonest.

You can read the full terms and conditions for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition at the bottom of this webpage.

FAQs:

When will the competition open?

The competition opened for entries as of 00:00 BST on the 10th of May 2025. The entry window will be open until 23:59 BST on the 25th of May 2025, or when the 500th valid application has been received, whichever is soonest.

Where will I submit my entry?

Please complete the application form found here.

Can I submit more than one entry?

No. Applicants may only submit one entry to the competition. If your graphic novel would form part of a series, please explain this within your proposal.

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.

Puffin Graphic Novel Competition Terms and Conditions of Entry

1. By applying for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition, each applicant agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions (Terms and Conditions).

2. The Puffin Graphic Novel Competition is open to all writers aged 18 years or over (Applicant), except for the permanent employees (including their families) of The Random House Group Limited or associated companies of the Penguin Random House group (Promoter).

3. Applicants must be from a community that is considered under-represented on the nation’s bookshelves. This could include, but is not limited to:
· Identifying as LGBTQIA+
· Identifying as Black, Asian or minority ethnic
· Being disabled or have a long-term condition
· Coming from a socio-economically marginalised background
· Having or having ever had refugee status

4. 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 aged 18+. 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 (and their families) and any other company connected with the competition cannot apply.

Applications

5. There is no fee for applying for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition. The application window opened on the 10th of May 2025 at 00:00 BST and the closing date for the submission and receipt of all applications is 23:59 BST on the 25th of May 2025 (Closing Date) OR when the 500th valid application is received, whichever is soonest.

6. Applicant must:
(i). complete all sections of the application form on the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition submission sheet on this webpage and review the Penguin Privacy Policy (https://www.penguin.co.uk/about/useful-links/privacy-policy)
(ii) submit a children’s graphic novel proposal through the application form on this webpage with the following material:
· One page of your finished colour artwork; three pages of roughs (which must include text/speech) and a detailed plot outline
OR:
· Five pages of your script and a detailed plot outline. If we really love your idea, we will eventually work with you to pair you with the perfect illustrator partner.

Each applicant may only submit one entry to the competition.

7. All Submissions must be the original work of the Applicant. If Applicant is unable to produce its Submission without third party assistance, the Applicant must fully disclose the nature (including name of the third party) and extent of that assistance.

8. Subject to the following, Submissions must be previously unpublished works designed for children aged between 5 and 18 years of age.

9. Submissions received after the Closing Date will not be considered. Promoter is not responsible for illegible, incomplete, delayed, corrupted, malfunctioning, unreadable or lost Submissions. Submissions sent by email, post or any other format or medium other than via the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition entry form webpage will not be accepted. Applicant should only submit copies of their work and should keep backups for their own files.

10. By applying for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition, Applicant warrants that all information submitted as part of their application and Submission is true, current and complete.

11. All valid Submissions will be assessed by a judging panel (Judging Panel) made up of individuals with publishing expertise within Promoter’s organisation and at least one independent judge. The Judging Panel will then select ten longlisted entrants; five shortlisted entrants, and one winner. The winner will be the entry that in the opinion of the judges is of literary and artistic merit, is exciting and engaging for children, and with strong commercial opportunity.

12. Longlist shall be notified by email by the 14th of July 2025. At this point, more material may be requested. Applicants will have four weeks to supply. After this date, the invitation will expire and Publisher reserves the right to offer the invitation to a substitute Applicant selected in accordance with these rules.

13. Shortlist shall be notified by email by the 1st of September 2025, and offered detailed feedback on their submission.

14. Winner shall be notified by email by the 6th of October 2025.

15. One (1) winner will be announced publicly no later than the 16th of November 2025.

16. The dates set out in these terms and conditions following the closing date are provisional and may be subject to change. The Promoter will inform entrants of any such date changes as soon as is practicable.

17. The winner must claim their prize within 30 days of the Promoter sending notification. If the prize is unclaimed after this time, it will lapse and the Promoter reserves the right to offer the unclaimed prize to a substitute winner selected in accordance with these rules.

18. Promoter regrets that Submissions cannot be returned and it will not be able to give feedback on individual entries other than that to be provided to the successful applicants during subsequent feedback sessions.

19. All decisions of the Judging Panel are final and not subject to appeal.

20. For the avoidance of doubt, Promoter is under no obligation to select the maximum number of runners up if it is felt that not enough of the Submissions are of a sufficient quality.

21. The Prize for one (1) winner is:
· An offer of a publishing contract with the Promoter with a view to the development and publication of their proposed children’s graphic novel Publication, subject to the winner entering into a contract with Penguin Books Limited (Publisher). This will afford an exclusive licence to the Publisher, permitting the editing, adapting, publishing and licencing of all or part of the children’s graphic novel in all editions, formats (including print and electronic), in all languages and territories globally and setting out all applicable financial details to be confirmed by Publisher on completion and acceptance (by Publisher) of the complete manuscript. Should entrants not want to grant these rights they should not submit materials. In the event an agreement cannot be reached, as regards the contract, within 30 days of the discussions commencing, the winner shall instead be awarded the substitute prize.
· Runners up may be announced (i.e. entries worthy of being shortlisted), but will not receive further prizes.
· Other than those specified above, the promoter shall not be liable for any costs or expenses arising out of or in any way connected with this prize and does not accept any responsibility for any damage, loss or disappointment suffered by the winner as result of accepting this prize.

22. Other than those specified above or in the information relating to the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition contained on the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition website or as will be expressly communicated to the Applicant from time to time, Promoter shall not be liable for any costs or expenses arising out of or in any way connected with Applicant’s participation in the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition and does not accept any responsibility for any damage (excluding personal injury or death as a result of Promoter’s negligence), loss or disappointment suffered by the winner as result of accepting the prize.

23. None of the elements of this opportunity may be transferred by the winner and no alternative (cash or otherwise) will be available or offered.

24. By applying for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition, Applicant confirms that:
(i) their Submission is an original, wholly-owned, creation and to the extent that such entry makes use of any third party materials, that these have been fully cleared unless they are no longer protected by copyright or other intellectual property rights; and
(ii) the Submission contains nothing that is illegal, obscene, discriminatory or of a defamatory nature. Applicant will keep Promoter harmless from any claims that their submitted materials infringe the personal or proprietary right of any other person.

25. The copyright in any Submission shall remain vested in the Applicant. In consideration for Promoter agreeing to consider Applicant for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition, each Applicant grants Promoter a non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide licence to reproduce, distribute and/or make available the Submission in whole or in part:
(i) as part of the Judging Panel’s adjudication processes;
(ii) to Penguin Random House for publication; and
(iii) in promotional, marketing or reporting materials (whether print or electronic) relating to the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition.

26. Events may occur that render the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition impossible to fulfil due to reasons beyond the control of Promoter. Should those events occur Promoter may, at its absolute discretion, vary, amend, suspend or cancel the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition and shall provide notice to all applicants of proposed variations, amendments, suspensions or cancellations.

27. Promoter may disqualify an Applicant in the following circumstances:
(i) Promoter has reasonable grounds to believe Submission does not comply with these Terms and Conditions;
(ii) Promoter has reasonable grounds to believe the actions of the Applicant are fraudulent, dishonest, criminal or unjust to other Applicants including, without limitation, grounds to believe the concept is not the creator’s own intellectual property; tampering with the operation of the competition, manipulating or rigging votes, hacking, deceiving, using multiple accounts to submit multiple entries, cheating or by harassing or threatening other entrants, the panel or a representative of Promoter.

28. We will make the winner’s name and county available on request to the following email address puffinbooks@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk (please state the name of the competition in the subject heading 10 weeks after the closing date). If you do not want your name and county to be made available in the event that you win, please let us know by emailing puffinbooks@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Please note we are required to make the winner’s details available to the ASA if requested.

29. By entering this competition, all entrants agree to the use of their personal data by the Promoter for the purposes of running the competition as detailed in these terms and conditions. Details on how we process the personal data of entrants can be found in our Privacy Policy (https://www.penguin.co.uk/about/useful-links/privacy-policy)

30. These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

31. Promoter: Penguin Books Limited of One Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gardens, London, SW11 7BW. Any prize queries should be addressed Puffin Graphic Novel Competition, Penguin Books Limited at the address above or at the following email address: puffinbooks@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk