Apply for Escalator 2020

Escalator seeks ambitious new voices in fiction (novel or short story). 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 self-identify as from a working-class background, who haven’t undertaken any formal creative writing qualifications, or whom wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to benefit from this kind of support.

If you are one of the six 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 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 full-time or for any 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

There will be a welcome event hosted at the National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall, Norwich on 7 March 2020, which all successful writers are expected to attend.

We particularly encourage applications from writers who:

• Self-identify as from a working-class background, or
• Wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to benefit from this kind of support

How to apply

Entries for Escalator 2020 have now closed. To receive updates on 2021 submissions and other writer opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Sarah Bower by email escalator@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk or by calling 01603 877177.