New Writers' Scheme

Please note that the New Writers’ Scheme is now fully subscribed for 2010. No more applications can be accepted for this year.

The RNA is pleased to welcome unpublished writers into its unique New Writers’ Scheme.

The Scheme opens on 1 January each year and can accept only 250 members. People wishing to join should apply as soon as possible after 1 January. All places are usually taken within a month.

The membership fee of £93 (£100.50 for non-EU members) allows unpublished authors to take part in all RNA activities and also submit a typescript of a full-length novel for appraisal.

The Membership Secretary sends each new writer a membership pack giving details on how and when to submit the typescript. Once you have received this you can send your typescript to the New Writers’ Scheme Organiser.

All typescripts must be received by the NWS organiser by the end of August.

The organiser has a team of more than 30 readers who are authors with extensive publishing histories in various types of romantic novel. The scripts are sent to an appropriate reader who provides a report that may include, for example, comments on plotting, characterisation and structure. The reports are intended to be honest and constructive suggestions from a published novelist—they point out flaws but also offer advice based on experience. Please note that this is a scheme for romantic novels, ones where romantic content and love interest are integral to the story. The readers cannot comment on non-romance genres. We are also unable to provide critiques of books aimed specifically at the US market.

About 5% of the scripts that are submitted to the scheme are considered to be ready, or almost ready, for publication. These are sent to a second reader and will be forwarded to an appropriate agent or publisher if the standard of the manuscript is high enough. A second read is not a guarantee that a book will be sent to an agent or publisher as this reader may think more work needs to be done on the manuscript before it is submitted.

The RNA cannot act as an agent, but publishers and agents look at our recommendations carefully and if they cannot accept a script they often make suggestions for further improvement. In addition, some of the manuscripts that receive a critique through the scheme will be accepted for publication after revision. Scripts which have been entered into the NWS and subsequently published as a debut novel by a NWS member are eligible for the Joan Hessayon New Writers’ Scheme Award.

Further information

For further information on the running of the scheme please consult Notes for NWS applicants. If your question has not been answered, then contact the New Writers’ Scheme Organiser.

Please note that the New Writers’ Scheme is now fully subscribed for 2010. No more applications can be accepted for this year.