10/04/2023
FAQs: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT iREASON PUBLISHERS AND THE DEBUT AUTHORS’ PRIZE
Q: Do I pay to get published?
A: No. You do not, unless of course you’re self-publishing with us. Then you’ll have to purchase a publishing package. Otherwise, when we offer you a publishing deal, we’re the ones paying you and not the other way round. We give you an advance (nonrefundable sum of money to help you get by as we publish your book), turn your manuscript into a book, market it, sell it and share royalties with you.
ABOUT iREASON DEBUT AUTHORS’ PRIZE
Q: What if I’m self-published? Can I enter if I've already had work published?
A: We aren’t able to accept applications from writers who have had a book published. We want to discover new voices and writers who don’t already have access to the publishing industry.
Q: I've only just started my book project. Can I still enter?
A: Yes, provided you have enough material to complete the application form (including a synopsis of 200 words and an extract of 1,500 words for fiction and non-fiction, and a synopsis of 200 words and an extract of 500 words for poetry). Shortlisted writers will be assessed and a winner decided based on the strength of their manuscript (or as much of their manuscript as is available).
Q: My friend is working on a collection of poetry, and I am working on a novel. Why does he have to submit only 500 words, and I have to submit 2,500?
A: Poetry collections are generally a lot shorter than novels, and so we think it’s only fair to ask for less material from those submitting poetry.
Q: I've just turned 36. Can I enter?
A: Unfortunately, no. iReason Publishers was created as a home for a new generation of storytellers. For this, with our first prize, we wanted to focus on supporting younger writers, and so we settled on the 14–35 age range.
Q: Can I enter on behalf of someone else?
A: Yes, as long as the person you are submitting on behalf of fits the eligibility criteria and can be contacted via email or telephone.
Q: Will I get any feedback on my application?
A: Due to the volume of submissions expected, we unfortunately are not able to give individual feedback to every applicant. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will receive personalised one-on-one feedback on your work from one of our editors.
Q: Will I receive an advance if I win?
Yes.
A: What if I win and I don't accept the terms of the acquisition/advance? Can I take my project elsewhere?
Q: We would hope that we can agree on a deal that is acceptable to you. However, if you decide that the terms are unacceptable, you are entitled to reject them. In that event, we may select another winner from the group of shortlisted writers.
Q: If I win, when will my book be published?
A: A publishing schedule will be drawn up depending on the project, and taking into account how much material is available, and a publication date will be decided collaboratively, with the winning writer, and the iReason Publishers team. For most books, we would expect to publish approximately a year after a final manuscript is delivered.
Q: Can I submit my project to you outside of the prize?
A: Yes. Please follow us on social media to find out more information on how to get published, and feel free to drop us an email for further advice.
