Tiny Reparations Books Open Submissions 2026

Contexte

Aspiring authors around the world now have an exciting opportunity to become traditionally published. Tiny Reparations Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, has officially opened its 2026 Open Submissions Program, inviting unagented writers to submit completed manuscripts for consideration. Founded by bestselling author, producer, and cultural commentator Phoebe Robinson, Tiny Reparations Books was established to amplify diverse voices and bring fresh, underrepresented stories to readers. Through this open call, the imprint is looking for unpublished works of adult commercial fiction that celebrate cultures, identities, and perspectives that deserve greater representation in publishing.

The submission portal opens 5 August 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and will remain open until 1,000 submissions have been received. Because the programme closes once this limit is reached, interested writers are strongly encouraged to prepare and submit their manuscripts as early as possible.

Tiny Reparations Books is an imprint of Penguin Random House, one of the world’s largest and most respected publishing houses. Since its launch in 2020, the imprint has focused on publishing bold, entertaining, and inclusive stories that reflect the richness of diverse communities around the world.

This open submissions initiative provides unpublished writers with a rare opportunity to have their work reviewed directly by the Tiny Reparations Books editorial team—without needing a literary agent. For many emerging authors, traditional publishing can be difficult to access. This initiative helps remove one of the biggest barriers by allowing talented writers to submit their work directly for consideration.

Missions et responsabilités

• Écrire et soumettre une œuvre originale de fiction commerciale pour adultes en anglais.
• Explorer des perspectives, cultures et identités sous-représentées à travers des genres populaires.
• Respecter strictement les critères d’admissibilité et les règles du programme.

Profil recherché

Tiny Reparations Books is seeking adult fiction written in English across several popular commercial genres.

Eligible genres include:

• Thriller
• Mystery
• Suspense
• Romance
• Speculative Fiction
• Grounded Fantasy
• Horror
• Historical Fiction

The imprint is particularly interested in immersive stories that entertain readers while highlighting identities, cultures, and settings that remain underrepresented in mainstream publishing. Whether your novel explores overlooked communities, unique cultural experiences, or fresh perspectives within these genres, this programme offers an excellent opportunity to share your work with a global publisher.

Who Can Apply? The programme is open to international writers, making it accessible to aspiring authors from around the world.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be an unagented author.
• Submit only one completed manuscript.
• Write in English.
• Submit an original work of adult fiction.
• Ensure the manuscript has never been published or self-published.
• Confirm that no artificial intelligence (AI) was used in outlining or writing the manuscript.

If Penguin Random House decides to pursue publication, successful writers will have the opportunity to secure a literary agent before contract negotiations begin.

Manuscript Requirements:

• Be fully completed before submission.
• Contain fewer than 150,000 words.
• Be original and unpublished.
• Be intended for adult readers.

The following are not eligible:

• Children’s books
• Middle-grade fiction
• Young Adult (YA) fiction
• Nonfiction
• Memoirs
• Self-help books
• Previously self-published works
• Previously published books
• AI-generated or AI-assisted manuscripts

Conditions et avantages

No Literary Agent Required: One of the biggest advantages of this programme is that writers do not need a literary agent to apply. Instead, each submission will be reviewed directly by a member of the Tiny Reparations Books editorial team. Should the publisher express interest in acquiring a manuscript, authors will then have the opportunity to seek literary representation before entering publication negotiations. This makes the programme particularly valuable for first-time authors looking to break into traditional publishing.

International Writers Welcome: Unlike many publishing opportunities that are limited by country or region, the Tiny Reparations Books Open Submissions Programme welcomes writers from around the world. As long as applicants meet the submission guidelines and write in English, they are eligible to participate regardless of their country of residence. This international approach aligns with the imprint’s commitment to publishing diverse voices and stories from a wide range of backgrounds.

Simultaneous submissions to other publishers are allowed, as Tiny Reparations Books does not require exclusivity.

Dossier de candidature

Applicants must submit:

• A one-page synopsis summarizing the story.
• A one-paragraph author biography.
• The first 20 pages of the completed manuscript.

Accepted file formats include:

• DOC
• DOCX
• PDF

The publisher does not require a specific font or formatting style, giving writers flexibility when preparing their submissions.

Comment postuler

Important Submission Rules:

• Only one manuscript may be submitted per author.
• The manuscript must already be completed.
• AI cannot be used during the planning or writing process.
• Multiple submissions are not permitted.
• Previously published or self-published works are ineligible.

Application Timeline:

• Submission Portal Opens: 5 August 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET
• Closing: Once 1,000 submissions have been received

Given that the programme closes based on the submission cap rather than a fixed date, early submission is highly recommended. Every submission will receive a response via email. Applicants should note that, due to the anticipated high volume of submissions, the editorial team cannot respond to individual follow-up enquiries.

LEARN MORE & SUBMIT HERE via the official portal of Penguin Random House / Tiny Reparations Books.