Berkley | Penguin Random House Open Submission Program Call for Novels

“Berkley launched its Open Submission Program in 2021 with the goal of creating a direct submission channel to editors in hopes of reaching more potential authors and sharing their works with the world. At Berkley, we strive to publish commercial fiction that reflects the world we live in and to bring readers stories that encompass a full range of backgrounds, experiences and unique perspectives. 

Beginning March 18, 2024 at 9:00am ET, we will accept the first 1,000 submissions. We are looking for full-length adult novels in the following genres: romance, women’s fiction, mystery, suspense and thrillers, horror, science fiction, and fantasy.”

Program Rules

1.  Submissions will only be accepted during the announced submission window. Submissions sent outside of this time frame will not be considered.

2.  We will only accept 1,000 submissions for consideration during this window. Once we receive the first 1,000 submissions, we will close the window. This is to ensure we can respond to writers in a timely manner.

3.  Authors must be unagented. If an offer for publication is made, authors may seek an agent to represent them before negotiations.

4.  Projects may only be submitted once.

5.  Authors may only make submissions for works they have completed.

6.  Authors may not make submissions that have used AI in their creation, whether in the outlining or writing of the manuscript.

7.  Submissions must include a 1-page synopsis, the first 10 pages of the manuscript, an author bio, and a query letter with links to social media platforms, if applicable, and any other information you wish the editors to consider. A query letter is an introductory one-page letter that tells an editor something about the story, something about the writer, and why Berkley should publish the book.