This year, we’re excited to launch the sixth #Merky Books New Writers’ Prize, an annual writing competition that is open to young, underrepresented and unpublished writers from across the UK and ROI.
What's on offer?
The winner of the New Writers’ Prize will receive a publishing contract with #Merky Books. All shortlisted writers will also be invited to our Writers’ Camp, where they will get the chance to participate in writing workshops, panel talks, editorial one-to-ones and meet the #Merky Books team. The prize will also aim to provide all applicants with 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?
The prize is open to Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic writers who are aged between 18 and 35 and residing in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Applicants will need to be unpublished and un-agented in order to apply. If you have a manuscript you are working on, or an idea ready to be put onto paper, we want to hear from you.
This year, we are looking for the next William Rayfet Hunter, Hafsa Zayyan and Rivers Solomon. We are focusing on fiction only and unfortunately, we are not accepting non-fiction, poetry or children’s books this year.
How to Apply
Fill in the application form by midnight on Tuesday 26th August 2025.
We are asking for a 200-word synopsis and 1,500-word extract.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].