Celebrating early-career writers
The Early Career Awards are a new form of literary prize, combining the power of awards with the unique, year-round educational programme of the National Centre for Writing.
These prizes shine a light on debut books and first-time authors, providing new platforms for work that is fundamental to our literary ecology, as well as delivering crucial, wraparound support for the writers to build and encourage long-term, sustainable writing careers.
Support from Arts Council England has helped us create an early career digital programme, providing free resources, professional development and industry advice for all new writers.
Desmond Elliott Prize
Over 15 years, the Desmond Elliott Prize gained a reputation as the most prestigious award for debut novelists in the UK and Ireland. Publishers were encouraged to submit literary fiction debuts for consideration, of which one author each year was awarded £10,000 to shape their developing career.
UEA New Forms Award
Developed in collaboration with the University of East Anglia, the New Forms Award champions bold innovation in craft, rewarding a daring new voice in fiction who might collaborate, experiment or challenge conventions.
Laura Kinsella Fellowship
Each year the Laura Kinsella Fellowship is offered to one exceptionally talented early-career writer. It is specifically aimed at writers experiencing limiting circumstances, or whose voices are underrepresented in mainstream literary fiction.
Early career writer?
Access free resource packs on character, structure, world building and more.
Fill out a short form to access our catalogue of 13 free resource packs for writers at the early stages of their writing journey. Each pack contains advice, practical tips and writing exercises delivered by established writers such as Jenny Offill, Geoff Dyer, Eimear McBride, Sarah Perry, Okechukwu Nzelu, Michel Faber and more.
Supported by Arts Council England.
The Early Career Awards are brought to you by National Centre for Writing, University of East Anglia and the Laura Kinsella Foundation, with support from Arts Council England.
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