Simon & Schuster UK has announced the New Chapter award, an initiative aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices in commercial fiction. Exclusively open to un-agented and unpublished fiction writers of color in the UK, the award offers a huge opportunity: a two-book publishing contract with a six-figure advance!

The winning author will be selected through a rigorous evaluation process led by Simon & Schuster UK’s Adult Fiction editorial team, alongside Silé Edwards, literary agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates, and Nancy Adimora, founder of OtherStories. The final decision will be made by an independent judge, following initial assessments from readers across the publishing house, including members of its Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Council.

“I have spent a lot of time dreaming up ways to ensure all writers see being published as a realistic and achievable prospect, so while New Chapter felt like a pipe dream at first, I will always be grateful to Sabah [Khan] and the team at Simon & Schuster UK for seeing the vision and making it a reality,” Edwards shared with The Bookseller. “I am so excited to see the entries. I already know we will have excellent stories to choose from.”

Submissions for the award will be open for three months. Entrants must submit three chapters of their novel and a synopsis. Writers must also self-identify as coming from a minority ethnic background and meet the entry criteria outlined by Simon & Schuster UK. While the publisher maintains its commitment to publishing authors from all backgrounds, this competition specifically addresses the stark underrepresentation of authors of colour in the commercial fiction space.

Sabah Khan, publicity director at Simon & Schuster UK, emphasized the significance of the initiative: “I was absolutely delighted when Silé proposed the idea and am thrilled that it has evolved to this point. We are committed to ensuring that our publishing reflects the society we live in, which is something that is truly close to my heart. I am so proud to be working on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will allow us to truly invest in an author of color and publish them with immense confidence.”

Adimora added, “I’ll always support projects that champion under-represented writers, so when I was asked to join the New Chapter judging panel, it was an easy yes. This is exactly the kind of bold, concrete commitment needed to reshape commercial fiction, and I’m looking forward to helping the team discover talented writers and extraordinary stories that resonate with readers everywhere.”

In addition to the grand prize, longlisted authors will be invited to meet with members of the publishing team, including Adult Fiction Editorial Director Molly Crawford, providing valuable industry insight and mentorship regardless of the final outcome.

Submissions are open May 1 – July 31, 2025 at 5pm BST. Review all rules and submission guidelines here!