Writer resources

Whether you’re new to writing or looking to develop your skills, we work with writers and industry experts to commission digital resources for writers packed with useful advice, practical tips and short writing exercises. Access them for free now.

Early career writer?

Access free resource packs created by award-winning writers and industry experts

Complete our simple form to gain access to 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.

Topics include method, character, plot, research, dialogue and structure. 

Supported by Arts Council England.

Click to access now

The Writing Hub

Explore more writing resources, new writing and reading recommendations

The Writing Hub is an online space to explore words, ideas and new writing commissioned and produced by National Centre for Writing. Whether you are looking for long or short reads on the craft of writing; interviews with emerging writers and published authors on The Writing Life Podcast; real and imagined explorations of Norwich UNESCO City of Literature; or dynamic new insights into literature, ideas, and creative writing; we have a vast digital library of content for you to read, listen to and watch.

Find out more

The Writing Life podcast

Listen to expert advice from masters of the craft.

The Writing Life podcast is the podcast for anyone who writes. Every fortnight, we speak to writers and educators to help you improve your writing, from theme, structure and routine to language, character and writing specific genres.

The podcast has featured Margaret Atwood, Jackie Kay, Sara Collins, Antti Tuomainen, Val McDermid, Sarah Perry, Elif Shafak and many more!

Listen now

Self-paced online courses

Progress through a high-quality online course at your own pace, with zero pressure!

NCW Academy self-paced online courses are designed by experienced tutors and published writers who share their advice, techniques and best practice through a range of short videos and written exercises. Whether you want to explore writing habits and routines, boost your confidence, tackle character and plot or experiment with a new genre, this is a chance to learn something new and improve your craft at your own pace.

 

Sign up now

Useful links

Alliance of Independent Authors
Non-profit professional association for authors who self-publish.

Apples & Snakes

Raising the profile of spoken word and poetry.

BBC Writers Room
Working with new and experienced writers in drama, comedy, CBBC, CBeebies, radio and online.

British Council (Literature)

Working with hundreds of writers and literature partners to develop innovative projects and collaborations.

Commonword (North West)
Writer development organisation.

Creative Scotland (Literature)

Crime Writers’ Association
Networking for British crime writers.

Exiled Writers Ink
Exiled Writers Ink brings together writers from repressive regimes and war-torn situations and it equally embraces migrants and exiles.

Historical Writers’ Association
Social support, opportunities and networking for anyone involved in historical writing.

ICORN (International Cities of Refuge Network)
Independent organisation of cities and regions offering shelter to writers and artists at risk.

Lapidus
Networking and information for people interested in writing for wellbeing.

Literature Wales

Literature Works (South West)

Regional literature development agency for the South West.

National Association of Writers in Education
Supporting the development of creative writing in all educational and community settings.

National Union of Journalists
Voice for journalists and journalism in the UK.

New Writing North

Regional literature development agency for the North.

New Writing South (South East)

Regional literature development agency for the South East.

Out on the Page
Out on the Page is a UK based project which exists to support the development of LGBTQ+ Writers and Writing through networking, information, workshops, courses and retreats.

Pop Up Projects CIC

A non-profit children’s literature development agency which delivers Education, Community and Talent development programmes and produces a year-round Festival in schools across the UK.

The Royal Society of Literature

Ruppin Agency’s Writers’ Studio
One-to-one mentoring services for writers of adult and young adult fiction and narrative non-fiction.

Scottish Book Trust
Charity with resources and opportunities for writers.

Society of Women Writers and Journalists
Encouraging literary achievement of women writers.

Spread the Word (London)

Regional literature development agency for London.

Welsh Book Council
Focus for the publishing industry in Wales.

Writers & Artists
Annual yearbook, series of guides and website providing information and industry contact details to help creatives get their work published.

Writing East Midlands

Regional literature development agency for the East Midlands.

Writing West Midlands

Regional literature development agency for the West Midlands.