Have a question?
Explore the questions below to learn more about the collaboration and how to take part.
01 What is the BBBF x Pan Macmillan Publishing Collaboration?
It is a groundbreaking publishing initiative marking the next chapter in a five-year partnership between the Black British Book Festival (BBBF) and Pan Macmillan. Moving beyond festival headline sponsorship, this collaboration harnesses BBBF’s vibrant community and reach to discover exceptional new Black British writing talent, widen access to publishing, and transform routes to market. The aim is for the authors behind the strongest submissions to go on to secure individual publishing contracts with Pan Macmillan.
02 What makes this programme different?
This is a publishing first, there is no other model like it. We are connecting the writer, community, and publisher from discovery to publication, combining BBBF’s engaged community with Pan Macmillan’s editorial and publishing expertise, rigour and networks. We may be learning as we go, but to give books the success they deserve, we have to try.
03 Why is this initiative so important right now?
Recent market data from NielsenIQ BookScan (reported in The Bookseller) shows that just 14 Black authors appeared in the UK’s top 1,000 bestselling authors during the first half of 2026, representing a mere 0.9% of total market value – a drop from 1.6% in 2025.
We know the talent is there and we know the readers are there. This collaboration is designed to transform what happens between the two, creating a direct route into publishing and giving books the commercial backing they deserve.
04 Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Identify as Black (including Black African, Black Caribbean, or wider African and Caribbean diaspora heritage, as well as mixed heritage writers who identify as Black).
- Be based in the UK at the time of submission.
- Be unagented in relation to the manuscript you are submitting, at the time of submission.
- Have a completed manuscript.
05 What happens if my manuscript is successful?
If your manuscript stands out with our Community Readers, it will be passed to Pan Macmillan's professional editorial team for consideration. If they decide to take it forward, you'll be offered a publishing contract with Pan Macmillan.
06 Does my book have to be about Black identity?
No. Your book does not have to be about race, Black identity, or the Black British experience. Black writers should be empowered to write about every subject, theme, and world imaginable.
07 Do I need a literary agent?
No. We created this initiative precisely to give unagented writers a platform and a chance to be published. You just need to be unagented in relation to the manuscript when you submit. If your situation changes while your work is under review, simply let us know.
08 Do I need to have been published before?
No. First-time, unpublished, and previously published writers are all welcome to submit.
09 Do I need to have had experience working in publishing?
No. This initiative is built specifically to break down those traditional barriers. You don’t need industry connections, previous experience, or knowledge of how the publishing system works to take your chance, your story and your writing are what matter.
10 Do I need a large social media following?
No. While existing audience reach can be relevant for certain non-fiction topics, we are judging the potential, voice, and quality of the book itself.
11 Does my manuscript have to be finished?
Yes. Your completed manuscript must exist in full before you apply. We cannot accept book ideas, partial drafts, or works in progress.
12 Does my manuscript need to be professionally edited?
No. Send us the cleanest, strongest version of your work that you can.
13 How many manuscripts can I submit?
Two manuscripts per writer per submission window.
14 What do I submit at Stage One?
At Stage One, you will submit:
- Basic information about your book;
- A short pitch;
- A synopsis or overview (up to 500 words);
- A writing sample (up to 5,000 words);
- A short “Why This Book?” statement;
- Three comparison titles; and
- A short author biography.
(Some non-fiction submissions may require a small amount of additional subject information.)
15 Why don’t you want my whole manuscript immediately?
To ensure the best application process. Stage One lets you submit quickly with just a writing sample and pitch, no lengthy proposal packages required upfront. Your manuscript just needs to be completed and ready in the background for when we request it at Stage Two.
16 What happens at Stage Two?
Writers progressing to Stage Two will be asked to supply their complete manuscript alongside any further details required for deeper editorial and commercial evaluation. Selected books may then progress to the official BBBF Longlist.
17 Does reaching Stage Two or the Longlist mean I have a publishing deal?
No. It means your work has successfully advanced to the next phase of the selection process.
18 Will the community choose which books are published?
The community will have a genuine voice in the process. Volunteer insight will work alongside BBBF’s team to inform the longlist, but community participation is not a vote and does not determine the outcome of any submission. Final publishing offers are made through the formal selection process.
19 How will the community be involved?
Our volunteer reader community actively shapes what we will be publishing, helping select the longlist and having a voice throughout the process, driving grassroots excitement to champion these authors from day one.
20 If I'm selected, do I have to accept the publishing deal?
No. You will have full opportunity to review your individual publishing agreement and seek independent legal, professional, or literary agent advice before deciding whether to sign.
21 Do I still own my book when I submit?
Yes. Submitting your work does not transfer your copyright to BBBF or Pan Macmillan. If your manuscript is selected, publishing rights will be dealt with separately in your individual publishing contract.
22 Can I submit my book elsewhere at the same time?
Yes. However, you must inform us promptly if your circumstances change, such as securing literary agent representation, receiving another publishing offer, or if rights to the manuscript become unavailable.
23 Can I withdraw my manuscript?
Yes, provided you have not entered into a binding agreement with Pan Macmillan affecting those publishing rights.
24 Can previously published authors apply?
Yes, provided you meet all other eligibility criteria and are unagented for the specific manuscript being submitted.
25 Can I submit a manuscript that has previously been self-published?
Yes, self-published works are accepted, provided you currently hold full rights to the manuscript.
26 Can I use Generative AI?
No. Generative AI must not be used to create, write, rewrite, develop, expand, restructure, or materially edit your manuscript or application materials, other than for minor revisions made solely for purposes of editing, correcting or otherwise refining your own content. Standard spelling and grammar checking tools are permitted provided they do not generate or rewrite substantive content.
27 Who will read my submission?
Submissions will be assessed by authorised publishing professionals from Pan Macmillan alongside designated BBBF Team and our volunteers involved in the programme and, where relevant, specialist readers or advisers. Please refer to Clause 19 (Data Protection) of the Terms and Conditions for full details.
28 Will I receive feedback on my submission?
Due to the volume of submissions expected, individual editorial feedback cannot be guaranteed.
29 Is there a fee to apply?
No. Submitting is completely free. You do not need to purchase a BBBF ticket, membership, or service to apply.
30 What if I need an accessibility adjustment?
We are committed to making the submission process accessible to everyone. Please let us know of any reasonable adjustments or accessibility requirements. You can email us at submissions@blackbritishbookfestival.com to let us know of any reasonable adjustments.
31 What are you looking for?
- Exceptional writing and distinctive voices.
- Original ideas and compelling storytelling.
- Books that make us want to turn to the very next page.
You don’t need to know the insider rules of the publishing industry – you need a finished book and a voice of your own.