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 Through this open call, the imprint is looking for unpublished works of adult commercial fiction that celebrate cultures, identities, and perspectives that deserve greater representation in publishing.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This open submissions initiative provides unpublished writers with a rare opportunity to have their work reviewed directly by the Tiny Reparations Books editorial team—without needing a literary agent.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.
What Kind of Manuscripts Are They Looking For?
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
Before submitting, authors should ensure their manuscript meets the programme guidelines.
Projects must:
- 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
These guidelines are intended to ensure submissions align with the publishing focus of Tiny Reparations Books.
What Should Your Submission Include?
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
The publisher does not require a specific font or formatting style, giving writers flexibility when preparing their submissions.
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.
Important Submission Rules
Before submitting, applicants should keep the following rules in mind:
- 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.
- Simultaneous submissions to other publishers are allowed, as Tiny Reparations Books does not require exclusivity.
Applicants should also note that, due to the anticipated high volume of submissions, the editorial team cannot respond to individual follow-up enquiries.
What Happens After Submission?
Once the submission window closes—or once 1,000 submissions have been received—the Tiny Reparations Books editorial team will begin reviewing all eligible entries.
Every submission will receive a response via email.
If the editorial team wishes to consider a manuscript further, the author will be contacted with the next steps. Authors whose work is not selected will also be notified by email.
Because of the expected number of submissions, applicants are encouraged to be patient during the review process.
Application Timeline
Applicants should take note of the following key dates:
- 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.
Why This Opportunity Matters
For many aspiring writers, securing a traditional publishing contract can be one of the biggest challenges in launching a literary career. Open submission programmes hosted by major publishers are relatively rare, making this initiative particularly valuable.
By eliminating the requirement for literary representation at the application stage, Tiny Reparations Books is helping uncover fresh talent and expanding opportunities for diverse storytellers from around the world.
Whether you write gripping thrillers, unforgettable romances, chilling horror, or imaginative speculative fiction, this programme offers a unique chance to have your work reviewed by one of the world’s leading publishing houses.
If you’ve completed your manuscript and dream of becoming a published author, now is the perfect time to submit your work before the 1,000-submission limit is reached.
