PMJ Undiscovered Writers’ Prize focuses on romance
The Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ) Undiscovered Writers’ Prize will focus on the romance genre this year.
The 2024/2025 incarnation calls on aspiring authors to submit the first 5000 words and a short pitch for a commercial romance novel with a romantic love story at its heart.
The winner will receive a publishing contract with PMJ, worth at least £10,000 and representation by the Janklow & Nesbit Agency. All shortlisted writers will also receive one-to-one editorial feedback and guidance from an editor or agent.
The award aims to find new authors from underrepresented backgrounds who the division can bring to the widest possible readership. It is aimed at unpublished writers aged over 18 who are currently a resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland and who belong to a group that is currently underrepresented in publishing, including ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, disability, or socio-economic background.
PMJ’s romance publisher Hannah Smith, who is helping to judge entries, said: "I am delighted to be launching the next instalment of our successful prize, and this year our focus turns to romance.
"We have always been, and will always be, proud publishers of this genre and we can’t wait to discover underrepresented voices within romance. We’re on the hunt for the next rising star to champion the genre alongside us."
Fellow judges include Emma Leong, literary agent at Janklow & Nesbit Agency, Bea Carvalho, head of books at Waterstones, and Leah Davis, radio presenter, comedian and host of the "Capital XTRA Book Club" Podcast.
Last year’s prize focused on the crime and thriller genre, with winner Claire Wilson securing a publishing detail for her book Five by Five, due to be published on 29 August 2024.
The deadline for submissions is 5th August 2024, with the shortlist being announced on 25th November. The winner of the prize will be announced on 14th February 2025. Further details are listed here.
