The Borough Press opens submissions to un-agented literary novels

The Borough Press will open submissions for un-agented literary novels on Monday (1st May), offering one stand-out author a book deal worth £10,000.

The literary imprint of HarperCollins has partnered with Curtis Brown agent Cathryn Summerhayes to offer a joint deal of a publishing contract and literary representation to a previously unpublished author from any background who has written a literary novel in keeping with “the spirit of the list”.

The Borough Press publishes fiction which couples “passionate, intelligent writing with energetic, page-turning plots”. Literary/genre crossovers are acceptable, but straight genre novels will not be considered, it said.

Submissions will open from 1st May until 14th May, and by the end The Borough Press hopes to have discovered “a new literary voice” which it will bring to market.

The publisher last opened submissions up to un-agented writers in 2014 when it discovered Andrea Bennett, whose debut novel Galina Petrovna’s Three-legged Dog Story has been published in six languages and reviewed widely from The Observer to BBC's "Front Row" programme.

Previously unpublished writers can submit the first three chapters or 50 pages, a synopsis of their novel and an author biography, by emailing: boroughsubmissions@harpercollins.co.uk">boroughsubmissions@harpercollins.co.uk.

The Borough Press publishing director Suzie Dooré said: “The traditional route to publication can be daunting, and we are hoping this open submissions period will unearth some exciting new writers who have yet to find an agent or publisher. Cathryn has excellent taste which chimes with the ethos of The Borough Press, so she was the first name on our list – I hope together we can find at least one wonderful debut novel.”

Summerhayes added: “Creative publishing ideas can only benefit authors and readers alike – and I'm sure we'll find some amazingly talented writers to showcase to the world.”

Entered novels must be complete, written in English and at least 70,000 words long. All submissions will be read by the imprint’s editors and completed novels will be requested from the best writers to review further. A shortlist will be compiled and judged by Dooré and Summerhayes. For full terms and conditions please visit www.boroughpress.co.uk