Quick Reads opens submissions to small indies for the first time

The Reading Agency is seeking publisher submissions for consideration for its 2025 Quick Reads scheme including from smaller, independent presses for the first time. 

Quick Reads are short, high-quality books that engage adult readers who lack reading confidence or have fallen out of the reading habit.  

This year, in addition to working with its existing publishing partners, The Reading Agency is also actively seeking submissions from SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) and independent publishers. This development has been made possible with funding from The Foyle Foundation, enabling smaller independent publishers to take part in the programme for the first time.

The Quick Reads scheme recently announced a full return to new publishing, following a celebratory year of republishing previous titles, accompanied by new funding from Penguin Random House and Hachette. 

The final selection for 2025 will be made by a panel of experts including public and prison librarians, further education and workplace representatives, retailers and literacy experts. They will be looking for a range of genres, an inclusive and diverse mix of new and established voices but most importantly, great stories and content.  

All selected titles will be published and sold for £1 a copy, “helping to make sure the books get into the hands of those that need them most in line with The Reading Agency’s mission to get everyone reading”" the charity said.  

Karen Napier, c.e.o. of The Reading Agency, said: “We want to showcase new stories from diverse voices and broaden the reach and appeal of Quick Reads. This is an exciting opportunity for all publishers, whatever their size, to widen their audience and support our mission of engaging new readers across the UK.  

“We are also immensely grateful to our core funders, Hachette and Penguin Random House, for continuing to support this vital programme and to the Foyle Foundation for helping us to diversify our publisher partners in 2025.” 

A spokesperson for The Reading Agency said: “Publishers of all sizes who are passionate about literacy and widening participation in reading are encouraged to submit proposals for consideration. We ask larger publishers to cover some associated costs such as author advance, printing and production as part of their literacy strategy and corporate social responsibility mission.” 

The deadline for submissions is 19th January 2024. Interested publishers can find more details and apply via The Reading Agency’s website, where they can find guidance on writing for emerging readers and information about Quick Reads and its audiences. 

For more information or to discuss a submission, contact The Reading Agency’s project manager Emma House (emma.house@readingagency.org.uk).