Puffin Books has announced their Graphic Novel Competition, an initiative that aims to seek out, nurture, and publish new graphic novel creators from communities under-represented on the nation’s bookshelves.
“Here at Puffin, we aim to publish a story for every child, and our graphic novels are no different,” the publisher says. “Immersive and accessible with imagination on every page, we want every reader to see themselves reflected in our books.”
The competition will be open to any comics creator who is 18 or over; living in the UK or Ireland; and who identifies as coming from an under-represented background or community. Graphic novel story pitches and artwork aimed at children and young people aged five and older are welcome for submission, and entries can be submitted by an author, illustrator or author-illustrator.
The initiative will be open to any under-represented creator, including those who may have already found a route to publication, or already have agent representation.
The winning project will receive a publishing contract with Puffin, with a view to potential publication in 2027.
How To Enter:
To enter the competition, creators must:
1. Complete all sections of the application form, which will open for entries on this webpage on the 10th May 2025.
2. Submit a children’s graphic novel proposal through the same form, with the following entry material included:
– One page of your finished colour artwork, three pages of roughs (which must include text/speech) and a detailed plot outline
OR
– Five pages of your script and a detailed plot outline. If Puffin really love your idea, they will eventually work with you to pair you with the perfect illustrator partner.
The application window for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition will open on the 10th May 2025. The closing date for the submission and receipt of all applications is 23:59 BST on the 25th May 2025 or when the 500th valid application is received, whichever is soonest.
Puffin encourage you to begin working on your children’s graphic novel proposal now, to ensure it is ready by the application deadline.
Head to this webpage during the application window to submit your entry, where you can also find the full terms and conditions for the Puffin Graphic Novel Competition
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics, British Comics - Current British Publishers, British Comics - Graphic Novels, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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