Future Bookshelf to run in 2019

Three writers received publishing contracts via the last open submission window for under-represented writers from Hachette's Changing the Story diversity scheme

The Future Bookshelf submissions window for under-represented writers will run again in 2019, and will expand to include Hachette's Orion and Little, Brown imprints. It will launch after the London Book Fair, inviting unpublished and unagented writers to submit their work.

The first Future Bookshelf open submission window ran in December 2017 and attracted 757 submissions, which were read by 59 in-house readers from Hachette. Two-thirds of the submissions fell ino the crime/thriller, commercial, science-fiction/fantasy and women's fiction categories. Submitting writers were asked to submit personal statements about why they felt under-represented in publishing alongside the sample of their work. The top five reasons were race, sexual orientation, age, disability and socio-economic status.

The three writers who have been offered publishing contracts as are: Eleni Kyriacou (Five Days in December); Elizabeth Okoh (The Returnees) and Robert Hamberger (A Length of Road). Two further writers, Suzette de Coteau-Atuah and Tara Nabili, will be mentored.

Nick Davies, chair of The Future Bookshelf said: 'We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to The Future Bookshelf from our colleagues, from the wider industry and, of course, from the 757 debut writers who submitted their work. It has been a privilege to read so many fresh and diverse new voices. Congratulations to Eleni, Elizabeth and Robert. This is just the start for The Future Bookshelf and these three writers embody what a more diverse, inclusive and exciting place publishing can be.'

For further details, see the website

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