In partnership with David Higham Associates (DHA) and The Future Bookshelf, Hachette UK has opened submissions for its third cohort of the free development programme, Grow Your Story.

Launched in 2020 by Thrive, Grow Your Story provides guidance to 10 unagented fiction writers who identify as LGBTQ+ and have not been traditionally published.  This year’s chosen writers will receive mentorship from a Hachette UK editor and a DHA agent, as well as a series of online workshops run by industry professionals and open day at Hachette UK’s London office in 2025.

The final 10 writers will be selected by a judging panel comprised of authors Laura Kay (Headline) and C L Clark (Little, Brown), DHA agent Sara Langham and Cal Kenny, Little, Brown commissioning editor for fiction.

Speaking on the programme, DHA’s Sara Langham said: ‘We are thrilled at DHA to be supporting the Grow Your Story initiative again, this year on behalf of the Pride network. We’re hugely looking forward to collaborating with Hachette and Pride on this exciting and important venture and can’t wait to read everyone’s submissions.’

To apply, send a 3,000 word sample of your work, a short description of your novel and a brief writer profile here. Submissions will close on Sunday 14 July.