Romance Writing Competition Signals a Shift Towards Inclusive Storytelling
A new romance novel-writing competition, “Modern Stories: It Must Be Love,” launched by Headline Eternal and Curtis Brown Creative (CBC), highlights a growing trend within the publishing industry: a dedicated push for greater diversity and inclusion in romantic fiction. The competition specifically seeks submissions from writers of Black, Asian, mixed heritage, and/or multiple ethnic backgrounds, offering a significant opportunity for emerging voices.
The Future Bookshelf and Hachette UK’s Commitment to Diversity
This initiative isn’t occurring in a vacuum. It’s part of Hachette UK’s broader “Changing the Story” program, and operates under the umbrella of The Future Bookshelf. Relaunched in 2022, The Future Bookshelf is designed to house all of Hachette UK’s creative writing programs focused on diversity and inclusion. This demonstrates a sustained, company-wide commitment to addressing under-representation within the publishing landscape.
Why Romance? The Genre’s Evolving Landscape
Romance is a consistently strong-performing genre, and its audience is increasingly demanding diverse representation. Readers want to notice themselves – and stories about people who appear like the people they love – reflected in the books they consume. This demand is driving publishers to actively seek out and support authors from underrepresented backgrounds. The competition welcomes a wide range of sub-genres, including romantic comedy, romantic drama, historical romance, and romantasy, indicating a desire for breadth within the diversity push.
The Power of Mentorship and Industry Access
The prize package for “Modern Stories: It Must Be Love” is particularly noteworthy. Beyond the £1,000 cash prize, the winner receives a place on CBC’s flagship “Writing Your Novel” course, editorial mentoring, and a meeting with a literary agent at Curtis Brown. This combination of financial support, skill development, and industry access is crucial for launching a successful writing career. The inclusion of runners-up prizes further underscores the commitment to nurturing talent.
Judging Criteria: What Are the Judges Looking For?
The judging panel, comprised of editors, authors, and booksellers, is looking for “brilliant voices, strong concepts and a compelling romance that takes centre stage.” This suggests a focus on quality storytelling alongside authentic representation. The judges aren’t simply looking for diverse characters; they want well-crafted narratives that resonate with readers.
The Rise of Inclusive Writing Programs
Curtis Brown Creative, a leading creative writing school, has a strong track record of supporting emerging writers. Since 2011, over 280 of their students have secured publishing deals. Their partnership with Headline Eternal on this competition reinforces the importance of formal training and mentorship in helping diverse voices break into the industry.
Submission Details and Key Dates
The competition opens for submissions on February 12th, 2026, and the deadline is April 14th, 2026. Entrants can submit up to 5,000 words of their novel, along with a synopsis of up to 600 words. Importantly, novels do not need to be finished, allowing writers to submit strong concepts and compelling beginnings.
FAQ
Q: Who is eligible to enter the competition?
A: Writers aged 18 or over, residing in the UK, and from a Black, Asian, mixed heritage and/or multiple ethnic background who are unagented and previously unpublished.
Q: What genres are accepted?
A: Adult commercial romantic fiction, including romantic comedy, romantic drama, historical romance, and romantasy.
Q: What is the submission deadline?
A: April 14th, 2026.
Q: Do I need a finished novel to submit?
A: No, submissions can be based on a strong concept and the first 5,000 words of the novel.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Visit the Modern Stories website.
Pro Tip: Spend time crafting a compelling synopsis. Judges want to understand the entire arc of your story, not just the beginning.
This competition represents a positive step towards a more inclusive and representative publishing industry. By actively seeking out and supporting diverse voices, publishers are not only enriching the literary landscape but also responding to the evolving demands of readers.
Interested in learning more about creative writing courses? Explore options at Curtis Brown Creative.
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