Launching the next big story, a global writing prize uncovering hidden voices
We delivered media relations & influencer marketing to build submissions for a new global writing prize.
22.5K
entries worldwide
32%
submissions were from UK authors
100%
increase in newsletter subscribers
1/4
of shortlisted authors discovered the competition through The Guardian's coverage
Media relations (print, digital, broadcast, podcasts)
Campaign strategy & positioning
Trade PR & industry influence
Events, awards & cultural moments
The Brief
The Novelry is the world's top-rated online creative writing school. It appointed us to launch The Next Big Story, a writing prize uncovering under-represented voices and new talent. Our brief was to drive UK submissions, engage readers, writers and industry influencers and secure high-profile coverage and trade media relationships to support future prize cycles.
The Work
We built a campaign around four milestones - launch, submissions, shortlist and winner reveal - each generating fresh media angles on the prize's mission and short fiction trends. Following a US embargo announcement, we secured national coverage and broadcast appearances, while influencer partnerships drove submissions and social engagement, supported by ongoing trade media relationships. We also fostered ongoing trade media relationships to keep the prize top-of-mind.
The Results
We positioned The Novelry and the prize as key players in the UK literary landscape, securing placements across digital, broadcast and print media, with spokesperson interviews reinforcing its credibility.