Curated by Stormzy, #Merky Books is a home for a new generation of voices. An imprint of Penguin Random House UK, #Merky is dedicated to publishing the best new fiction, non-fiction and poetry. It aims to provide a platform for the best new voices of today, and to seek out and publish talented young writers from all backgrounds.
We’re so excited to announce our partnership with #Merky Books and the Good Literary Agency on the #Merky Books New Writers’ Prize. The competition aims to connect with young writers and find a new work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry to publish. It’s open now for submissions, closing on 12th April 2019.
I know too many talented writers that don’t always have an outlet or a means to get their work seen and hopefully #Merky Books can now be a reference point for them to say “I can be an author” and for that to be a realistic and achievable goal. Reading and writing as a kid were integral to where I am today and I from the bottom of my heart cannot wait to hear your stories and get them out into the big wide world.
Stormzy
What’s on offer?
The prize is launched in collaboration with The Good Literary Agency and First Story. The winner will receive a publishing contract with #Merky Books, as well as representation from The Good Literary Agency. Shortlisted writers will also be invited to a special event in London, including writing workshops, presentations from Penguin Random House authors, and personalised one-on-one feedback.
The prize will also help to give everyone who applies the tools, information and access they need to develop their ideas, progress their writing and set off on the path to publication.
Who are we looking for?
We’re looking for unpublished writers aged between 16 and 30 who are currently resident in the UK or Eire. If you have a manuscript you are working on, or an idea ready to be put onto paper, we want to hear from you. We are looking for writers telling the stories that are not being heard, and the stories that deserve to be read, whether in fiction, non-fiction or poetry.
How do I apply?
Fill in the application by midnight on 12 April. We’ re asking for a 200 word synopsis and 2,500 word extract for works of fiction and non-fiction, and a 200 word synopsis and 500 word extract for works of poetry.
On Letters (Live)
