The Programme, now entering its fifth year, is a unique opportunity which offers writers, in all genres, one year’s free membership of The London Library and includes writing development masterclasses, literary networking opportunities, peer support and guidance in use of the Library’s resources. With its rich cultural heritage, extensive open access book collection, dedicated writing spaces and its diverse community of established writers, the benefits of Library membership are invaluable.

For over 180 years The London Library has played a central role in inspiring writers and researchers and has helped them explore and develop their work. From Charles Dickens to Sarah Waters, Charles Darwin to Simon Schama, Virginia Woolf to Kazuo lshiguro, writers have consistently found it to be an unrivalled resource.

The London Library Emerging Writers Programme is open to anyone over 16 years of age who is committed to pursuing a career in writing and wants to develop their practice. Applicants should be working, or planning to work, on a specific project, with the aim of publication or production, and have a clear idea of how they might use the Library’s resources to achieve that aim. They should be willing to fully participate in all elements of the Programme and immerse themselves in the writing community it offers. There is no application fee and participation on the Programme is funded.

Applicants will be selected anonymously by a panel of judges including poet and playwright Caroline Bird (Rookie: Selected Poems, The Air Year, In These Days of Prohibition), screenwriter and playwright Moira Buffini (Harlots, The Dig, Handbagged), non-fiction writer Travis Elborough (Wish You Were Here, Through the Looking Glasses, Atlas of Vanishing Places), novelist and short story writer Zoe Gilbert (Mischief Acts, Folk), novelist Ayisha Malik (Sofia Khan is Not Obliged, This Green and Pleasant Land, The Movement) and literary agents at Aitken Alexander Emma Paterson and Chris Wellbelove.

Deadline 

11am on Thursday 2nd March 2023.

Emerging Writers Programme (londonlibrary.co.uk)