We believe that everyone should be able to see themselves and their communities authentically reflected in the books they read.
WriteNow is Penguin’s award-winning programme to seek out, nurture, and publish new writers from under-represented communities in UK and Irish publishing. The programme is designed to give participating writers the tools, information, and access needed to navigate the industry and launch their career as a successful author.
It is safe to say that my experience on the WriteNow programme changed my life. The moment that my first, brilliant editor, picked my extract from thousands, looked me in the eye, and told me it was special, and that I was a writer, I felt seen.”
Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, WriteNow 2016
This year WriteNow is open to writers of middle grade, chapter and picture books – in other words, books for children aged 0-12 years old.
Ready to share your story? Here’s what you need to know:
To apply, please provide a 250-word written synopsis, as well as a writing sample.
Your writing sample should be:
Application deadline: 7th January 2026 at 11:59pm
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WriteNow is open to any unpublished, unsigned writer based in the UK or Ireland, who identifies as coming from an under-represented background or community in publishing.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.
• Almost 900 writers have had one-to-one feedback on their manuscript from a Penguin editor
• Over 2,700 writers have attended regional or online workshops on how to get published
• We've helped to launch the careers of 32 exciting debut authors – at Penguin and beyond.
Applications are open only to UK or Ireland residents aged 18 or over from under-represented backgrounds who are unpublished and not represented by a literary agent.
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
Got more questions? You can find additional answers on our FAQ page.
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