Getting Published

Submit only hard copies

Manuscripts received via email or disc will not be considered.

Submit any time

We're currently accepting high quality manuscripts across multiple genres.

We do not accept

Poetry, short stories, adult adventure, fantasy or science fiction novels, plays, screenplays, war diaries or academic texts. We also do not accept manuscripts from outside New Zealand or Australia unless by a New Zealand author or of special relevance to this part of the world.

Submission Checklist

All submissions must include the following

Cover Letter

Your cover letter should include:

A little about yourself and how you came to write the book.
The target reading market for your proposed book and how it appeals to that market.
A list of all the ways you might be able to work with Random House to promote your proposed book, including a list of any of your relevant media, corporate or other contacts.
Your contact details.

Synopsis

Keep it short, direct and straight to the core of what your manuscript is about – under one page is ideal.

Work Sample

Nonfiction submissions: The first three chapters on white A4 paper, double spaced, not bound. Please don’t send the entire manuscript.
Fiction submissions: Please send the full manuscript on white A4 paper, double spaced, not bound.
Children's submissions: Please send the full manuscript on white A4 paper, double-spaced, not bound. For picture books, unless you are an illustrator, or wish to illustrate the story yourself, please only send text. If you are sending illustrations, include copies of sample artwork (do not send original artwork).

Please Address Submissions to:

Manuscript Submissions
c/- Publishing
Penguin Random House New Zealand
Private Bag 102902
North Shore
Auckland 0745
New Zealand

Response

An acknowledgment of receipt will be sent when a submission is received. Please allow four months for your submission to be considered. Because of the large volume of submissions we receive, we are able to respond only to authors whose manuscripts we wish to develop. Please include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope if you would like your submission returned.

General Information and Advice

We strongly recommend that writers visit the New Zealand Society of Authors website for wide-ranging advice and information about writing and getting published in New Zealand. If you are interested in writing and need general advice on how to begin, browse the internet or in your local library for books that will help you with your genre of interest. Writers’ groups can also offer assistance with the writing process and manuscript assessment. Penguin Random House New Zealand is unable to assess manuscripts.