Are multiple submissions allowed?
Unfortunately, multiple submissions are not permitted. We encourage to choose your favourite and most compelling character/characters to showcase!
Do I need to have a completed manuscript?
Yes, please make sure you have the full manuscript completed before entering the competition.
Can it be a series?
Yes, we would absolutely love series characters to be submitted!
What if I already have an agent?
Our Character Most Wanted competition is exclusively for unrepresented/un-agented authors as we are looking to discover exciting and fresh talent within the industry.
What if I have been previously published?
If you have been previously published but are currently do not have representation, you are more than welcome to enter your work.
Does this have to be one character, or can it be an ensemble of characters?
Either! We are looking for compelling, complex and entertaining characters, they do not need to be a part of an ensemble but absolutely fine if they are!
Do I submit my website through the website portal?
No. Please submit your work via email to megan@darleyanderson.com.
However, if you would like to submit your work to Darley Anderson and Associated or a particular agent outside of the competition, please follow the submissions portal on our website.
Can I submit my character if it’s within the Children’s/YA genres?
Unfortunately, we are not accepting Children’s and YA submissions. If you would like to submit your writing, please follow the submission requirements via this link: Submissions – Darley Anderson. The DA Children’s Book Agency is not affiliated with the Characters Most Wanted competition.
What if I accidentally submitted to the portal?
Please resend your work to megan@darleyanderson.com specifying that you accidentally sent your submission through our usual portal and which agent you sent it to.
What if I have submitted this via the portal previously and it’s been rejected?
If you have previously submitted your manuscript to us and it has unfortunately been rejected, please do not send us the same manuscript. However, if you have developed a new story, we welcome you to send it to us!
Will I receive confirmation of my submission?
Unfortunately due to the amount of submissions we are likely to receive, it won’t be possible to confirm receipt.
Will I receive editorial feedback even if my submission is rejected?
Unfortunately, editorial feedback on rejected submissions will not be possible. As an agency, we read hundreds of submissions a week. Therefore, individualised feedback will not be available for reject submissions pertaining to the Character Most Wanted competition. However, we really wish we could!
When will the shortlist be announced?
Once the submissions window has closed, we will read throughout July. The shortlist announcement will be made in August via our website and social media platforms once shortlisted authors have been contacted.
What do I receive as a shortlisted author?
If you are selected as one of our top three authors, you will receive:
- An exclusive one-hour consultation with the Darley Anderson & Associates team.
- Editorial feedback
- Consideration for representation by Darley Anderson & Associates Ltd
What if I have further questions about my submission?
Please direct any further queries to megan@darleyanderson.com. Whilst we may answer DMs on occasion, this is largely unmonitored.
