Writer Development Programme (WriteNow 2027) at Penguin Random House UK.

WriteNow is Penguin's award-winning programme to seek out, nurture and publish new writers from communities under-represented in UK and Irish publishing.

Since 2016, WriteNow alumni have published over 100 books.

The 2027 programme is for writers working on fiction for children aged 7-12.

It's open to writers from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds and/or lower socio-economic backgrounds, who self-identify as eligible when they apply.

Applicants must be 18 or over, live in the UK or Republic of Ireland, have no previously published book and have no literary agent.

To apply, you send a 250-word synopsis and a writing sample of up to 3,000 words.

All applicants get a free online workshop on how to get published, with talks from published authors, literary agents and industry experts.

Shortlisted applicants get feedback on their writing from a Penguin editor.

Successful writers join a year-long programme, paired with an editor who gives expert support and advice while they work on their book.