How to apply

Applications for Escalator 2020 will open later this year.

Escalator seeks ambitious new voices in fiction. If you feel your voice is under-represented and would benefit from a structured period of support, then we want to hear from you!

We particularly encourage writers who have not undertaken a formal creative writing qualification, or whom wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to benefit from this kind of support.

If you are one of the 10 successful writers selected for the scheme, you will be offered:

• Five sessions of one-to-one mentoring with one of our amazing mentors
• A retreat at Norwich UNESCO City of Literature
• Workshops and development sessions to support your wider development
• A showcase event in London, with an audience of invited guests and industry professionals
• Space on the National Centre for Writing website to showcase your work.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible to apply you must:

• Live in the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk or Suffolk)
• Not be currently studying for an accredited course in Creative Writing
• Be available to commit to the duration of the mentoring and dates set out for the period of the scheme
• Be over the age of 18 on the date of application
• Apply with an adult or YA fiction piece, written in English of which you are the sole author; children’s or non-fiction is not eligible
• Be available to attend the welcome event