Got a question about the #Merky Books New Writers' Prize? Take a look below to find out the answer.
Can I enter on behalf of someone else?
Yes, as long as the person you are submitting on behalf of fits the eligibility criteria and can be contacted via email or telephone.
I've just turned 36. Can I enter?
#Merky Books was created as a home for a new generation of voices and to encourage a new generation of readers. We want to focus on supporting younger writers, so we settled on the 18–35 age range. If you are 36 or older and if you are 17 or younger by the time applications close, you will not be able to enter the prize.
I've only just started my book project. Can I still enter?
Yes, providing you have enough material to complete the application form (including a synopsis of 200 words and an extract of 1,500 words for fiction, shortlisted writers will be assessed, and a winner decided based on the strength of their manuscript (or as much of their manuscript as is available).
Are you accepting entries for children's books?
No. We may however adapt the New Writers’ Prize to focus on children’s and young adult books in the future.
Why are you not accepting non-fiction or poetry this year?
This year we wanted to focus on literary and commercial fiction. We are looking for the next Yomi Adegoke, R. F. Kuang and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. We still publish non-fiction and poetry.
Can I enter if I already have a literary agent?
Unfortunately not. We want to discover new voices and writers who don’t already have access to the publishing industry. The winner will be introduced to our network of agents.
If you already have a literary agent, you can ask them to submit your work to an editor at #Merky Books separately from this prize.
Can I enter if I've already had work published? What if I'm self-published, published in another format or genre, or published as part of an anthology?
We aren’t able to accept applications from writers who have had a book published in the UK before. We would be happy to receive applications from writers who have been published in another format such as a magazine or newspaper.
Can I post my submission to you?
We are only accepting entries via our online portal, which is open from Tuesday 6th August – Monday 2nd September 2024
Can I submit my project to you outside of the prize?
#Merky Books does not accept unsolicited submissions but we are always open to receiving submissions via literary agents.
Can I submit more than one manuscript?
Unfortunately not. We are accepting only one entry per applicant.
Will the judges read every entry?
The judges will read all shortlisted entries. The #Merky Books team, Penguin Random House UK editors and additional staff will read and review every entry.
Will I get any feedback on my application?
Due to the volume of submissions expected, unfortunately, we are not able to give individual feedback to every applicant. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will receive personalised one-on-one feedback on your work from one of our editors.
Timing and next steps
When will I know if I've been shortlisted?
We will be announcing all selected writers on Friday October 18th 2024
Please do follow us on our social media channels for all updates, tips, advice and information on the New Writers’ Prize and how you can submit.
What happens if I'm selected?
You will be invited to our Writers’ Camp event in early November 2024, where you can expect to meet the #Merky Books team and editors from Penguin Random House, as well as literary agents and published authors.
How many writers will be shortlisted?
Around twenty writers will be chosen.
Do I have to attend the Writers’ Camp to be in with a chance of being winning? And will you cover my travel expenses?
Attendance at the camp is not compulsory. It is an opportunity to meet other writers, hear from publishing professionals and receive feedback on your work. If you cannot or would not like to attend, you can still receive feedback over email or a telephone call and it will not harm your chances of winning in any way. All reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed by Penguin Random House.
What happens after that?
You’ll be asked to submit 5,000 words of your novel by Monday 2nd December 2024. This will be reviewed by our judges and the #Merky Books editorial team.
What do I get if I win?
The winner/s will receive a publishing contract with #Merky Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House UK.
Will I receive an advance if I win?
Yes, you will receive a book contract which includes an advance.
What if I win and I don't accept the terms of the acquisition/advance? Can I take my project elsewhere?
We would hope that we can agree a deal that is acceptable to you. However, if you decide that the terms are unacceptable, you are entitled to reject them. In that event, we may select another winner from the group of shortlisted writers.
If I win, when will my book be published?
A publishing schedule will be drawn up depending on the project and, taking into account how much material is available. A publication date will be decided collaboratively, with the winning writer, your agent and the #Merky Books team. For most books, we would expect to publish approximately a year after a final manuscript is delivered.
Question not answered above?
Get in touch with us on Twitter or Instagram @MerkyBooks. Alternatively, you can email us at merkybooksnwp@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.