How to Get Published at Penguin or HarperCollins

Are you an author with a manuscript or maybe still staring at a blinking cursor? Either way, you’ve probably asked yourself the big question: How do writers get published at Penguin or HarperCollins?

You’re not alone. For many emerging writers, seeing their name on the spine of a Penguin or HarperCollins book feels like a dream just out of reach. These are not just publishing houses; they’re institutions. Homes to literary legends, bestselling novelists, and some of the most powerful voices in storytelling today. So, as an aspiring, hopeful, maybe even quietly brilliant writer, how do you get noticed?

So, as an aspiring, hopeful, maybe even quietly brilliant writer, how do you get noticed?

Let’s talk through it

Start by Thinking Like the Top Author :)

Before you send off anything, take a moment and ask: Would the top author in my genre submit this? That shift in mindset is important. The top authors don’t just write well—they revise relentlessly. They take feedback seriously. They read constantly and understand the market without chasing trends.

If you're aiming for big global publishers, the baseline expectation is a manuscript that feels polished, original, and emotionally resonant. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing literary fiction, sharp contemporary drama, or a narrative non-fiction memoir—what matters is that your work makes the reader pause. That pause is what gets a publishing editor's attention.

Understand what publishers are looking for

While both Penguin Random House India and HarperCollins India are open to debut writers, each publisher has a distinct editorial voice and preference.

Penguin tends to have a wide canvas—they embrace literary fiction, memoirs, thrillers, and even experimental voices. HarperCollins, on the other hand, often leans toward contemporary, sharp storytelling and is particularly strong in business, politics, and commercial fiction.

Both publishers actively scout for new voices. In fact, one of the best-kept secrets in Indian publishing is that Penguin India accepts unsolicited manuscripts. You don’t need an agent. You just need a great story and the courage to put it out there. HarperCollins India also accepts direct submissions, though they’re more selective and deliberate in their response times.

The submission process itself isn’t complicated. Most publishers ask for a synopsis, a short author bio, and a few sample chapters. For non-fiction, you’ll need a book proposal. And here’s where many writers stumble—because writing a good proposal means knowing how to talk about your book like the top author you are becoming.

Build Your Author Identity

Think of your submission as the start of a conversation. It’s not just your manuscript that’s being evaluated—it’s you as an author. Editors are not only asking, “Is this book publishable?” They’re also asking, “Is this someone we want to work with?”

That’s why building your author brand matters. You don’t need a million followers or a viral tweet. But a simple author website, a thoughtful social media presence, and a clear sense of who you are and why you write—it all helps. Especially in today’s publishing world, where discoverability and voice go hand in hand.

If you want to be seen as one of the top authors of your generation, act like one from day one. That means showing up online with intention, engaging in the literary community, and thinking of yourself not just as a writer—but as a professional storyteller.

Do You Need a Literary Agent?

You can get published by Penguin or HarperCollins without an agent. Many writers in India have done just that. However, having a literary agent can still make a difference, especially when it comes to positioning your book, negotiating better contracts, and getting editorial feedback before submission.

If you’re writing in a highly competitive genre or aiming for international markets, an agent can be a powerful ally. But don’t wait around hoping one will swoop in. Start submitting to publishers directly, and if your writing speaks for itself, the rest will follow.

Rejection Isn’t the End

No honest conversation about publishing is complete without this part. Even the top authors you admire faced rejections - some more than they care to admit. What set them apart wasn’t that they got lucky on the first try, but that they kept going, learning, and refining their voice.

If Penguin or HarperCollins passes on your manuscript, it doesn’t mean the book has no value. Sometimes it just means it wasn’t the right fit for their list at that moment. That’s not a full stop. That’s just a pause.

Your Story Deserves a Shot

Breaking into publishing with Penguin or HarperCollins isn’t about having connections or luck. It’s about doing the work, understanding the industry, and believing your story is worth sharing.

So, if you're sitting on a manuscript you believe in or a story that keeps you up at night, don’t wait. Start now. Submit. Learn. Repeat.

Because the next time someone searches “the top author” online, there’s no reason it can’t be your name that comes up.