Have you created a character readers will never forget?
At Darley Anderson & Associates, we believe unforgettable characters are at the heart of every great novel. From Reacher to Raker, Hunter to Charlie Parker, Monica Kennedy and many more, we have always loved bold, compelling characters readers return to again and again. We are looking for characters from any genre – maybe your character lives in a genre mash-up?!
But wherever they belong, we want to meet them.
This July we are launching Character Most Wanted, a competition to discover an extraordinary new character with the potential to captivate readers globally. From thrillers to love stories, series to a standalones, we’re interested!
To enter and be considered, please send:
- The first three chapters of your novel
- A story outline (no more than one A4 side)
- A character profile of your lead character
- A covering/ query letter about you and where you see your novel
Tell. Us. Everything.
What do they love? What do they fear? What would they fight for? What would they risk everything to protect? If they got lost in a forest, what would they do?
Most importantly, tell us why your character is unforgettable. What makes them different? Why will readers become obsessed with them? Why will they follow them from page to page – book to book?
The authors of our top three submissions will receive:
- An exclusive one-hour consultation with the Darley Anderson & Associates team.
- Editorial feedback
- Consideration for representation by Darley Anderson & Associates Ltd
We cannot wait to discovered the next great character in fiction. Enter now!
Please send your entries to: megan@darleyanderson.com
Deadline: Wednesday 1st July 2026
We will spend July reading and will announce the shortlist in August.
Please note: this competition is open to adult fiction submissions only. We are not accepting children’s fiction or YA submissions (please do get in touch with our DA Children’s team.)
