We want to hear your writing at Novel Nights. Each month we offer three writers the opportunity to read in front of a live audience during the first half of  Novel Nights. The audience are a group of friendly writers and readers. You will be on the same bill as an established author.

We want to hear prose which delights, tells a story with skill, that hooks a room of people and won’t make them fidget. If you are chosen to read you get free entry to Novel Nights, your name on the programme and publicised on twitter, facebook and on this website. We accept novel extracts and short stories.

Submission guidelines

  • 800-word extract of your writing; no more than  5 minutes reading time
  • Choose a scene from your novel or a short story that will work as a piece to listen to – not too much dialogue but something self-contained that shows off the story and your writing style. Don’t choose a scene with lots of characters in it
  • Photos of yourself  – please label with your name 
  • Cover photo of book, if you are published
  • Your name (or writing pseudonym), and twitter handle
  • Writer Bio – a 30 word version for our programme, a longer version for our information about you, your writing etc
  • Include the title of your piece

How to Send

  • Send your work and bio in the body of the email
  • Photos can be sent as an attachment

How we choose

  • At least three of us consider your work. We look for strong, well-crafted writing that will delight and excite an audience.
  • We choose extracts that fit in with the theme of the night or that fit with each other. If you are not chosen it doesn’t mean we think your writing is not strong enough! These things are subjective.

What happens on the night? 

  • You will be introduced and the compere for the evening may ask you a couple of questions about your writing or story.
  • You share your writing to riotous applause!
  • Usually, there is a review of the event, featuring you
  • We promote your work

Email work to :  submit@novelnights.co.uk  

GOOD LUCK !

Submission windows for the following events in 2019

Novel Nights event Submission guidelines / theme Closing Date
30th January  800 word extract from a novel 20th January
27th February 800 word extract from a novel or short story 1st February
27th March 800 word extract from a novel 1st March
24th April 800 word extract from novel or short story 1st April

Once you submit, we will respond to you, as soon after the closing date as we can with a decision. Email submit@novelnights.co.uk

Fancy being a guest speaker at Novel Nights? 

  • Get in touch with your proposal to grace@novelnights.co.uk
  • We programme talks from published authors, publishers, and industry professionals
  • We’re keen to have speakers who want to share an aspect of writing, genre, writing craft, or anything else that might interest a group of other writers.
  • The guest speaker slot consists of a talk, tips &  Q and A. We pay.
  • The audience is well-read and well informed.