Apply for Escalator

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 eight 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 programme, the winning writers will also:

• have regular contact with and support from the NCW team and their fellow Escalator writers;
• be offered subsidised places on NCW workshops, courses and masterclasses;
• have a chance to showcase their work to agents, publishers and industry professionals;
• receive a film and other materials to help them showcase and promote their writing in future;
• receive paid travel expenses for the in-person Welcome Day and Showcase events.

How can I apply?

Applications for the 2023/24 programme have closed. Please subscribe to the NCW newsletter and follow us on social media for news on future opportunities.

Applications to the scheme opened on Monday 17 July 2023 and the deadline for applications was 10am BST on Tuesday 19 September 2023. 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 [email protected]. The sample can be of up to 2,000 words from the project you would like to work on during the scheme (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, .pdf or other commonly used text file format. 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 19 September 2023 cannot be considered. If you require the application form in a different format (e.g. audio, large print, etc.) please don’t hesitate to contact us before the deadline.

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 25 November 2023. 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 meet one of our eligibility criteria listed above. This year we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers and LGBTQI+ writers.

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 on the email address or telephone number above 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:

Literature Works (South West)

New Writing North

New Writing South (South East)

Spread the Word (London)

Writing East Midlands

Writing West Midlands

 

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 in November 2023 and July 2024.

 

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.

 

I’m not sure whether I would count as having caring responsibilities. Can I still apply?

We define someone with caring responsibilities as anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid. If you are still unsure whether you would be considered a carer please visit the NHS website here before completing your application.

 

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 the Escalator programme 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.

 

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 10am BST on Tuesday 19 September 2023.

 

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 10am BST on Tuesday 19 September 2023. 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 10am BST on Tuesday 19 September 2023 cannot be considered.

 

How will my application be judged?

Once National Centre for Writing has checked entries for eligibility, applicants are judged anonymously. Eight 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 2023.

 

When will I find out if my application has been successful?

Applicants will be notified by email by the end of October 2023.

 

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 17 July 2023. The deadline for applications is 10am BST on Tuesday 19 September 2023.

The Escalator winners will be publicly announced in November 2023. They will participate in the scheme between November 2023 and July 2024.

The selected writers will be expected to attend two in-person events during the programme. Travel expenses will be paid to support the writers in attending these events. The events are:

• Welcome Day, Saturday 25 November 2023
• Showcase event, Thursday 18 July 2024

 

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 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 programme 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 Changing the Story campaign.