National Centre for Writing Escalator New Writing Fellowships 2026/27
National Centre for Writing
Apply NowGot a fresh fiction voice? Join Escalator for one-to-one mentoring, structured development and industry connections—build your craft, boost your publishing prospects and join a cohort championing under-represented writers from the East of England.
Escalator is National Centre for Writing’s annual talent-development fellowship for unpublished fiction writers in the East of England. It is aimed at early-career writers whose voices are under-represented in UK publishing, and ten writers are selected for each cohort.
Over the course of the programme, Fellows receive one-to-one mentoring from established authors, structured creative development, and opportunities to connect with agents, editors and other publishing professionals. The scheme is designed to help writers refine a substantial fiction project, build confidence, and develop the practical knowledge needed to progress towards publication.
Participants also join sessions with the NCW team and fellow writers, take part in exclusive industry-focused events, and have the chance to present their work at a final showcase. Support is also provided through subsidised access to some NCW workshops and courses, plus travel support for key in-person events.
28 Jul 2026
15 Sept 2026
28 Nov 2026
Escalator 2026/27
Location
- Must be 18 years old or over.
- Must live in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk or Suffolk for more than half of the year.
- Must be an unpublished fiction writer at the start of the programme.
- Must be unagented at the start of the programme.
- Must self-identify as under-represented in UK publishing, such as Black, Asian or from another ethnically diverse background; LGBTQI+; working class; disabled or neurodivergent; living with a disability or chronic illness; having caring responsibilities; or facing economic barriers.
- Must not be currently studying for an accredited course in creative writing.
- Applications are open to writers of fiction only.
Travel expenses are paid for the Welcome Day, Bootcamp and Showcase event. Additional expenses may be covered for writers facing financial hardship, subject to NCW agreement.
No participant fee is stated; participation is free. Travel expenses are paid for key in-person events, and some additional expenses may be covered in cases of financial hardship.
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