This is an open call for submissions of original works on the theme of Satirical Strains, selected by guest editor Holly Pester. Two entries will be selected for publication, and the selected submissions will take the form of a short book (maximum 40,000 words, or an equivalent suitable to the form if not prose).

We are seeking proposals for a series called  Satirical Strains. With this as the broad theme we are looking for original works that contain attitudes of the satiric. While you may not have framed your work in this way before, we invite you to consider the potential of doing so. Does your work meet absurdity with absurdity? Contradict contradictions? Are you working in referential formal structures or genres in a generative, rebellious craft? Your work might produce subtle or unsubtle forms of satire, parody, irony, drag, comedy, critique, or perform a deadpan decentring of governing notions. Your work might provoke a critique of fallacy, or an awakening of inherent silences. The work you submit can be easily describable as story, essay, poetry, verse or script, or it can play in-between any combination of them. We are most excited to read about projects that trouble dominant aesthetics, codes or styles, and that have devised new tactical tools to expose them. – Holly Pester.

Book Works is dedicated to commissioning non-conforming works, offering a generative space for writing and writers that don’t fit into easily definable categories within mainstream publishing. In this case, we are looking for emerging writers who would benefit from editorial guidance and support in publishing their first book-length work. We strongly encourage writers from low-income backgrounds to apply and will prioritise these applicants.

Submission process

Commissions will be awarded to the best proposal for a short book length project (maximum 40,000 words, or an equivalent suitable to the form if not prose). Two proposals will be selected for publication, to be released in Autumn 2027. The successful applicants will receive a fee of £1,000 plus royalties*. There will also be a small budget allocated for expenses and travel to promote the book within the UK.

Entrants must be un-agented, and this must be their first published book. Holly Pester and Book Works will draw up a shortlist from this open call, and selected applicants will be contacted. We may need to talk to those selected about their proposed project or request additional information, and all shortlisted will receive written ​​feedback (200-300 words). The successful commissions will be announced in early 2026.

Full submission guidelines and terms (download PDF)

Equal opportunities monitoring form (download PDF).

*See eligibility document for more information