Game Writer

OPEN CALL! If you’re an experienced writer who loves video games, this is for you…

Today, I’m excited to announce we are looking for the first batch of authors for New Game+, a book series that is designed to extend the experience of play beyond the screen.

Alongside Pen and Sword Books, I’m searching for writers who can help shape the series through their unique voices, meticulous research, and genuine love for the medium.

Each book will go deep on a single gaming element. Perhaps it’s as simple as a game or character. Maybe it’s something completely out there, or niche, like a detailed takedown of Poison Swamp levels and how they continue to make it into modern games.

If you have a gaming-related hot take, we want to hear it. Creative approaches are encouraged.

Please see the link below for more information and how to submit a proposal. We can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

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Hello! 

Thank you for your interest in New Game+. We’re incredibly excited to now be considering submissions in our first-ever open call. 

Before sending us your proposal, please familiarise yourself with the elevator pitch of what this series is all about:

What is New Game+? 

New Game+ is a new paperback series all about video games that is designed to extend the experience of play beyond the screen. 

Each book will go in-depth on one gaming element. It could be an individual game, character, creator, soundtrack, level or something completely leftfield. Creative approaches to each book are welcomed, as long as they are well-informed, researched and take the subject matter seriously. 

Ultimately, we are keen for this series to evolve alongside the authors who shape it. 

What are we looking for? 

For this opening batch, we’re particularly excited about commissioning books on: 

● Indie games 

● Retro games 

● Modern games 

● Gaming characters 

However, if you have a pitch that doesn’t fit into the above, please try us - we’re open to ideas! If Dark Souls’ Blighttown has inspired you to write about the world of Poison Swamps, we might just listen… 

Manuscripts should be within the 35,000-40,000 range and include approximately 100 screenshots/illustrations.

Who are we looking for? 

We are looking for writers who bring personality and well-researched analysis to each book. It should be an entertaining and informative read that shows the world why you’re passionate about your subject. 

We’re also keen to encourage submissions from all minority groups and the LGBTQ+ community.

Your Proposal 

To judge the suitability of your proposal, please prepare a single Word document or PDF that includes the following: 

● Book subject (Game/Character/Person/Gaming element/etc) 

● A brief synopsis of your book (300-500 words). Please include themes, discussions and conversations you plan to cover. Any interviewees or access you have are also welcome. 

● What is new and different about this book? 

● Why are you qualified to write it? 

● Optional: A chapter breakdown if you have it. 

Please send your proposal to [click apply] with the subject line formatted in this style: Book Subject, Your Name, Open Call 2026 Pitch 

Any questions, please reach out to Nick Akerman (Series Editor) on Instagram. 

Thank you so much for your time and effort! We’re extremely excited to see what you come up with!