Who is it for?
Escalator is open to under-represented writers of fiction at the beginning of their careers, who are based in the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk). The region is made up of a diverse society of many voices, and supporting writers who are under-represented on UK bookshelves has become a core objective of the project.
To be eligible for Escalator, you must:
- live more than 50% of the time in the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk);
- be unagented and unpublished at the start of the programme in November 2026;
- self-identify as one or more of the following:
- Black, Asian, or from another ethnically diverse background;
- LGBTQI+;
- working class;
- disabled, neurodivergent, or living with a disability or chronic illness;
- having caring responsibilities as defined by NHS England;
- being in receipt of a state pension, Jobseekers’ Allowance, Disability Benefits, Income Support, Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits, or facing other economic barriers.
If you’re not sure whether you meet these criteria, we invite you to contact us for a confidential discussion before making your application. You can do so on escalator@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk or 01603 877177 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).
If you don’t fit these entry requirements, we kindly request that you take a look at our other opportunities and resources for writers, as Escalator is specifically for under-represented writers of fiction in the East of England.
What do the winning writers receive?
At the heart of the Escalator programme is a period of mentoring; a one-to-one exchange between writer and mentor, who interact regularly to review work, discuss challenges and set goals. The ten selected writers will also take part in a variety of development opportunities, and a final showcase event at which they will have an opportunity to present their work to agents, editors and other publishing industry professionals.
Throughout the Escalator Fellowships, the winning writers will also:
- have regular contact with and support from the NCW team and their fellow Escalator writers;
- join exclusive sessions with authors and industry professionals;
- be offered subsidised places on NCW workshops and courses;
- have a chance to showcase their work to agents, publishers and industry professionals;
- receive materials to help them showcase and promote their writing in future;
- receive paid travel expenses for the in-person events organised during the fellowship.
From start to finish, every detail was so thoughtfully taken care of: from my mentor’s stellar guidance to NCW’s encouragement and communication throughout
How can I apply?
Applications to the scheme open on Tuesday 28 July 2026 and the deadline for applications is 10am BST on Tuesday 15 September 2026. Applications are read and judged anonymously by a panel comprising the National Centre for Writing and mentors for the scheme.
There are two steps to making your application:
1. Fill in this online application form. Here we ask you a little about yourself, your writing practice to date, and why you would like to be part of Escalator.
We recommend preparing your answers in advance of filling in the form; the questions can be found below.
2. Send a sample of your writing as an email attachment to escalator@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk. The sample can be of up to 2,000 words from the project you would like to work on during the programme (or an example of previous fiction work).
Please ensure that the file name is the title of your sample as noted in the online application form. The sample can be sent as a .doc, .docx or .pdf. Please note that we cannot open or read .pages files.
The sample will be read anonymously; please do not include your name in either the document itself or its file name.
Applications that are incomplete and/or reach us after 10am BST on Tuesday 15 September 2026 cannot be considered. Applications which fail to meet the eligibility criteria cannot be considered. If you require the application form in a different format (large print, etc.) please don’t hesitate to contact us before the deadline.
Application form questions
The online application form will ask you the following questions:
- About you. We will ask you to confirm:
- Your name and contact details
- Your postcode
- How you heard about the Escalator programme
- Whether you would like to sign up to our newsletter
- Eligibility. We will ask you to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Your writer’s biography. Please provide us with your writer’s biography (up to 200 words). This may include a bit more about your work to date, and any creative writing experience, projects, prizes or publications you may have. Please refrain from including your name in your response.
- Your project proposal. Please tell us about the project you would like to work on during the Escalator programme (up to 200 words). You might like to tell us whether it’s a novel or short stories, what it’s about, who might read it and/or where it might sit in the UK book market.
- Why Escalator? Please tell us how the scheme would be of benefit to you and your writing (up to 200 words).
- Your writing sample. At the end of the form, you will be prompted to email your writing sample (up to 2000 words) to escalator@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk.
Scroll down for answers to frequently asked questions.
Terms and conditions of entry
- The National Centre for Writing (NCW) Escalator programme is for unpublished, unagented, under-represented writers of fiction, based in the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk), in accordance with the eligibility criteria above.
- Applications are to be made via the online application form and email submission of a sample of writing. The application can be made available in alternative formats upon request, e.g. for accessibility purposes.
- The deadline for applications is 10am BST on Tuesday 15 September 2026. Incomplete applications or applications received after this time cannot be considered.
- Only one application may be made per applicant. Multiple applications cannot be considered.
- By completing the application process, entrants confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria, that their application is true and correct at the time of submission, and that they agree to these terms and conditions.
- Entries will be checked for eligibility, and thereafter judged anonymously on the basis of the sample of writing. A shortlist of 25 eligible samples of writing will be selected by a panel of sifters. These will then be judged by a panel of Escalator mentors, chaired by NCW staff. Each mentor will choose the two applicants they would most like to work with during the Escalator programme. NCW will then match the anonymous samples of writing to their corresponding entries and notify the winning writers.
- A maximum of ten places will be awarded in the Escalator 2026-27 New Writing Fellowships.
- The judge’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
- We regret that we are unable to enter into individual correspondence with or provide individualised feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
- Winning writers will be notified by email or phone in October 2026 and asked to confirm that they still wish to participate in the programme.
- Winning writers will agree to be available to take part in the programme between November 2026 and September 2027.
- All winning applicants will be asked to sign an agreement confirming their participation in the Escalator programme and that they agree to the Escalator mentoring model.
- NCW will fund and provide mentoring sessions, a welcome day, a showcase event, showcase materials, regular peer meetings and other development opportunities for the winning writers. Travel expenses will be paid for the Welcome Day, Bootcamp and Showcase event. All optional travel expenses will be covered by the writer. For writers facing financial hardship, additional expenses may be covered at the discretion and with the prior agreement of NCW.
- NCW reserves the right to review the Escalator programme in whole or in part at any time.
- If you are offered an Escalator New Writing Fellowship, you cannot exchange it in whole or in part for any cash equivalent, nor transferred to another person.
- NCW reserves the right to withdraw any offer of a place on the Escalator programme if the conditions of the programme are not met.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my writing is right for Escalator?
We are looking for great writing, affecting stories and creative potential. Escalator is a creative commitment and is best suited to writers who are ready to receive constructive feedback on a substantial piece of work. We are not looking for a particular style, genre or approach; only well-considered, technically able, affecting stories.
I write short stories, flash fiction, and/or novellas. Am I still eligible to apply to Escalator?
Yes, Escalator is open to writers of fiction, including short stories, flash fiction, novellas and novels. We have no preference between these forms; if you write short fiction, you have as good a chance as someone who writes novels. The only thing to bear in mind is that Escalator is for writers working on a substantial project, such as a novel or collection of short stories. It is not suitable for writers who want to work on only one or two short stories.
I write poetry and/or non-fiction. Am I eligible to apply to Escalator?
No, the Escalator programme currently supports writers of fiction only.
I write for children and/or young people. Am I eligible to apply to Escalator?
Yes! Several Escalator alumni have successfully published YA fiction following their participation in the scheme. As long as you meet our other entry requirements, we welcome applications from those who write fiction for children and young people.
I’m not sure whether I would count as an ‘unpublished’ writer. Can I still apply?
We define an unpublished writer as someone who has not yet published a full length work of fiction (novel, novella or short story collection) in the UK via a publishing house.
This means that you are still eligible to apply to Escalator if you have:
- published individual shorter pieces in magazines, online or elsewhere;
- had a full-length work of non-fiction or poetry published in the UK, either self-published or via a publishing house;
- self-published a full-length novel, novella or short story collection in the UK.
You are not eligible to apply to Escalator if you have:
- already published a full-length novel, novella or short story collection in the UK via a publishing house, including mainstream and small presses;
- received a publishing contract for a full-length novel, novella or short story collection in the UK with a publishing house, including mainstream and small presses.
I’m not sure whether I would count as an ‘unagented’ writer. Can I still apply?
We define an unagented writer as someone who has not signed a contract with an agent by the programme start date of 28 November 2026. If you have already signed a contract with an agent you are not eligible to apply to Escalator. If you sign a contract with an agent between being accepted onto the Escalator programme and its start date, your offer of a place will be withdrawn.
I’m not sure whether I would count as an ‘under-represented’ writer. Can I still apply?
The Escalator programme is for writers who are under-represented in mainstream UK publishing. To apply, you must identify with one of our eligible criteria listed above.
That said, we also recognise that individual circumstances are complex and cannot be reduced to a tickbox. If you’re not sure whether this opportunity is right for you, we invite you to contact us for a confidential discussion before making your application.
If you don’t fit these entry requirements, we kindly request that you take a look at our other opportunities and resources for writers, as Escalator is specifically for under-represented writers of fiction in the East of England.
Is there an age limit on who can apply to Escalator?
Applicants must be 18+ years of age. There is no upper age limit.
I don’t live in the East of England. Can I still apply?
Escalator is only open to writers living in the East of England, which for the purposes of the programme is defined as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. If you live in a different region you may be eligible for a similar scheme elsewhere. We recommend finding your nearest literature development organisation who will be able to advise on opportunities in your area:
New Writing South (South East)
I live in the East of England some of the time, but not all of the time. Can I still apply?
Yes, provided that more than 50% of your time is spent in the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk). If less than 50% of your time is spent living in the region, you are not eligible to apply for Escalator.
If selected, it is important that you are able to commit to the full duration of the programme. For that reason, we encourage applicants to be sure that they will be able to attend events in person in East Anglia between November 2026 and September 2027.
I’m doing or have done an MA or BA Creative Writing. Does that mean I can’t apply?
You can still apply if you have completed an MA or BA Creative Writing, providing you meet our other eligibility criteria and are not currently studying for any accredited course in creative writing.
If you are currently studying an accredited course in creative writing, you are not eligible to apply for Escalator.
There is no requirement to have studied creative writing to apply to Escalator.
Can I choose the mentor I would like to work with?
No, the mentors will judge the applications and choose the two writers they each would like to work with based on the submitted writing samples. The writing samples will be judged anonymously by the mentors. When the winning writers are notified they will be informed which mentor has selected them; accepting a place on Escalator means that you accept the mentor who has chosen to work with you.
Why do I have to specify a project I will work on during the Escalator programme?
Escalator is for writers who want to take their writing and writing career to the next level by completing a substantial piece of work. This would usually be a draft of a novel, novella or short story collection. Throughout the programme the winning writers will receive feedback on work in progress and help with setting writing goals; opportunities to learn more about how to submit their manuscripts to agents and editors; and to showcase a polished piece of work to publishing industry professionals. To get the most out of the programme, it helps to have a clear project in mind that you will work on throughout this process.
I haven’t yet written 2,000 words of the project I want to write during the Escalator programme. What shall I submit as my writing sample?
If you haven’t got an extract of up to 2,000 words of the project you would like to work on during the scheme, you can send us an example of your previous fiction work instead. Make sure you are clear about the project you intend to work on in your 200-word proposal.
Can you give me feedback on my writing sample, even if I don’t win one of the places on Escalator this year?
Each year we receive large numbers of applications to Escalator, and so unfortunately we are unable to offer individual feedback on applications. We do however always endeavour to signpost applicants to other opportunities that may be of use and interest.
I write under a pseudonym. Which name should I make my application under?
If you write under a pseudonym, we would like to know both of the names you use. There is space in the application form for you to let us know both your legal name and the name you write under.
Can I submit more than one application?
No, applications are limited to one per person, and we cannot consider multiple applications. If you submit multiple applications, we may discard all versions.
Will I receive acknowledgement of my application?
Yes, you will receive an automated email acknowledgement once you have submitted your written sample by email. We will do our best to notify you of any problems with your application at this stage.
In case of any problems with your application that may need action by you, we recommend submitting as early as you can before the deadline of 10:00 BST on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
I’ve submitted the first part of my application. Can I submit the second part later?
Yes, you can submit the second part of the application later, as long as you do so before the deadline of 10:00 BST on Tuesday 15 September 2026. Applications that have not been completed by this time cannot be considered.
Why do you recommend preparing some of the application questions in advance?
Escalator applications are made via an online application form. While we have done our best to ensure that you can edit your responses at your convenience, we recommend preparing your answers in advance to make the process smoother, safer and to ensure you have a copy of your application for your records.
I’ve missed the deadline by accident. Will you still accept my application?
No, applications that arrive after our deadline of 10:00 BST on Tuesday 15 September 2026 cannot be considered.
How will my application be judged?
Once National Centre for Writing has checked entries for eligibility, applicants are judged anonymously. The winning writers are selected from a shortlist of up to 25 applicants by the panel of mentors, chaired by NCW. Each mentor will choose the two applicants they would most like to work with during the Escalator programme. NCW staff then match the chosen samples to their corresponding application forms, and will notify the winners by the end of October 2026.
When will I find out if my application has been successful?
Applicants will be notified by email by the end of October 2026.
I’m unhappy with the decision that has been made about my application. Can I appeal it?
No, all decisions made by the judging panel are final.
What are the key dates of the programme?
Escalator opens for applications on 28 July 2026. The deadline for applications is 10:00 BST on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
The Escalator winners will be publicly announced in December 2026. They will participate in the scheme between November 2026 and September 2027.
The selected writers will be expected to attend three in-person events during the programme. Travel expenses will be paid to support the writers in attending these events.
How does mentoring work?
Your first mentoring session will be face-to-face at the welcome day in November, which will take place at the National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall. All other mentoring sessions may take place face-to-face or via email, telephone or video call. Mentor and writer are liable for any expenses incurred for optional face-to-face meetings, though NCW will cover travel expenses for the welcome day, bootcamp and showcase event at the end of the programme.
If I’m unsuccessful this year, can I apply again in future?
Yes. We hope to continue to offer the Escalator fellowships each year, subject to funding. You are welcome to apply in future years if you meet the eligibility criteria for that year. You can support the Escalator programme via NCW’s Escalator campaign: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/support-us/donate/escalator-campaign/.
Supporters of the Escalator New Writing Fellowships
Escalator is generously supported by Arts Council England, the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society, Amazon Literary Partnership, Garrick Charitable Trust, Golsconcott Foundation, the Laura Kinsella Foundation, the Reeves Award, and donors of NCW’s Escalator fundraising campaign.
The Laura Kinsella Fellowship and Reeves Award Fellowship
Two Fellows are supported by the Laura Kinsella Foundation, and two by The Reeves Award. These fellowships are awarded to applicants based on an excerpt of their prose that demonstrates exceptional promise and ambition.
The Reeves Award specifically aims to support the development of Afro-Caribbean and Black British writers.
Writers do not apply directly for these fellowships; they are selected by a panel from the overall cohort.
