GOT THE WRITE STUFF?

Paging Dynamic, Unpublished, Diverse
Women And Nonbinary Writers

LitUp will provide five emerging writers with an all-expenses-paid retreat, a three-month mentorship with a published author, and marketing support from Reese’s Book Club. LitUp is a journey and we’re with you every step of the way.

Hone Your Craft at Our Writer’s Retreat

Selected fellows will participate in an all-expenses-paid writer’s retreat to develop their manuscript and learn about the business side of publishing.

Join the Reese’s Book Club Family

Through it all, we stand by you every step of the way, including a first-look window with top agents and a book launch marketing commitment from us and our partners.

Get Mentored and Build a Support Network

Post retreat, fellows are matched with a published author for a three-month mentorship to get their book ready for market.

We Are Looking For Magic

Open our eyes. Tell us an uplifting story that’s been overlooked.

Introduce us to the diverse main character who’s falling in love while solving a murder mystery. Take us on an adventure where a diverse, time jumping protagonist saves the day. We believe real magic lies in the stories we don’t always hear. The stories that make us laugh one second and cry the next. The stories we just can’t stop reading.

APPLications open soon

Meet Our Past Fellows

CYCLE THREE

  • Ntebogeng Mahlare Archer

    Maropeng: In the Ruins
    Adult Literary Fiction

  • Natalie Messier

    Every Version of You
    Adult Romance

  • Janasha Prabhu

    Ripping Wings Off Butterflies
    Adult Thriller

  • Razz Sharpless

    Red Line Romeo
    Adult Romance

  • Monika Gupta

    The Right Kind
    Adult Literary Fiction

CYCLE TWO

  • Tolani Akinola

    Black Nylon
    Adult Literary Fiction

  • Margot Fisher

    LEAVE IT ON THE TRACK
    YA Contemporary

  • Ashley Jordan

    ONCE UPON A TIME IN DOLLYWOOD
    Adult Romance

  • Allison King

    THE PHOENIX PENCIL COMPANY
    Adult Speculative

  • Bora Reed

    THE LETTER WRITERS
    Adult Historical

CYCLE ONE

  • Sophia Chang

    Mothertongue
    Adult Urban Fantasy

  • Chatham Greenfield

    TIME AND TIME AGAIN
    YA Romcom

  • Jaya Mehta

    THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR
    YA Contemporary

  • Katerina Ivanov Prado

    STILL LIFE
    Adult Literary Fiction

  • Gina Isabel Rodriguez

    FORGET NOTHING
    Adult Literary Historical

  • Arriel Vinson

    THE FREEDOM OF FALLING
    YA Novel in Verse

Guidelines And Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Candidates must be diverse (as defined below) women or nonbinary writers who are also unagented and unpublished.

LEARN MORE

What do I need to apply?

Candidates may only submit one application and one manuscript. Once submitted, applications cannot be updated. Late applications will not be accepted.

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What is the selection process like?

Applications are judged across manuscript and application questions on both technical and artistic merit.

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Meet Our Partners

LitUp is made possible by a village of committed
changemakers who believe diverse stories matter.

Updates, tips, highlights and all kinds of book fun from our (and Reese’s) pen to your inbox. Delivered every Monday and Friday.

Updates, tips, highlights and all kinds of book fun from our (and Reese’s) pen to your inbox. Delivered every Monday and Friday.

Updates, tips, highlights and all kinds of book fun from our (and Reese’s) pen to your inbox. Delivered every Monday and Friday.

@REESESBOOKCLUB

Nov 26

Open
Did you know that Shearwater Island from Wild Dark Shore is based on a real island? Our November author @CharlotteMcConaghy visited the mysterious and beautiful Macquarie Island for research, adding so much color to the world of Wild Dark Shore. 🦭✨

Nov 26

Open
Wild Dark Shore is the kind of story you sink into and forget the world for a minute — atmospheric, gripping, and full of the twists we love talking about together. If stories about sisterhood, long-held secrets, and coastal suspense are your vibe, this one’s going straight to the top of your TBR. 📚✨ Already started? We want to hear your thoughts — theories, reactions, all of it 👇

Nov 25

Open
Stories that follow you wherever you go? Yes please! ✨ #AppleBooksPartner If you’re looking for a reset, don’t worry about carving out the perfect moment or setting, read or listen on @applebooks and let the story take you on an adventure. We’re stepping into the beauty of our November pick, Wild Dark Shore by @CharlotteMcConaghy. Head to our link in bio to read or listen on @applebooks, our official home for audiobooks and eBooks.

Nov 25

Open
To the dreamers, this one's for you! 💚🩷 The incredible @JonMChu joins Bookmarked, the Reese's Book Club podcast, this week to chat all things Wicked, storytelling, and growing in ways you never imagined! If you want more Wicked magic, you won’t want to miss this episode. Start listening on the @iHeartPodcast app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you love to listen. 🎧

Nov 23

Open
The newest additions to your TBR have arrived with glowing reviews! The November Class of Reese’s Book Club picks is perfect to snuggle up with this season. What’s at the top of your TBR? 👀

Nov 23

Open
Why do YOU read? 📚✨

Nov 22

Open
We're still thinking about how Wild Dark Shore's description of the natural world reflects how we navigate life. What did you take away from this inspiring novel? 💛

Nov 21

Open
#ad Cozy vibes activating... ✨ We teamed up with @yankeecandle to help you set the ultimate cozy vibes with the perfect pairing: immersive books and fragrant candles. With a scent for every moment, story, and season, there’s something for everyone. Head to our link in bio to activate the perfect cozy vibes now.
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