Unpublished writers across the East of England offered route into publishing industry

Unpublished fiction writers across the East of England are being offered the chance to take a major step towards publication through a fellowship programme that has helped launch the careers of award-winning authors and debut novelists.

We’re seeking ten promising fiction writers from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk for our 2026 Escalator New Writing Fellowships.

Now in its 21st year, the programme provides eight months of professional mentoring, industry insight and creative development for early-career writers of novels and short stories.

Successful applicants will receive one-to-one mentoring from established authors, alongside opportunities to connect with industry professionals, share their work with audiences, and build relationships with fellow writers.

This year’s mentors include acclaimed novelists Santanu Bhattacharya (Deviants), Emma Healey (Elizabeth Is Missing), Ayanna Lloyd Banwo (When We Were Birds), Owen Nicholls (Love, Unscripted and Perfect Timing), and Jyoti Patel (The Things That We Lost).

Ellie Reeves, Programme Officer, said:

‘We’re thrilled to welcome our new mentors to the Escalator Fellowships programme. Mentoring can be transformative for early-career writers seeking to refine their craft, build confidence and connect with supportive peers and industry professionals.

‘As accomplished authors, our mentors understand the dedication and perseverance required to create powerful stories. They will help Fellows develop their work, navigate challenges and build momentum towards their writing ambitions. I can’t wait to discover the writers who will join us for this next exciting chapter!’

Mentoring can be transformative for early-career writers seeking to refine their craft, build confidence and connect with supportive peers and industry professionals.

Ellie Reeves, Programme Officer at NCW

NCW has supported over 160 writers through Escalator so far, with over half of alumni progressing to publish acclaimed fiction and build successful careers in writing, performing, teaching, and more. A third of Fellows have gone on to win literary awards.

Recent Fellows include George Harrison, whose debut novel Season was published by Eye Books this year; Joanna Miller (The Eights), Rob Perry, (Dog), Jon Ransom (The Whale Tattoo) and Margaret Meyer (The Witching Tide).

Former Fellow Owen Nicholls, who took part in the programme in 2018, returns this year as a mentor. He said:

‘I’m thrilled to be invited back to mentor the next intake of talented, passionate writers. Having had first-hand experience of the Escalator Scheme from both sides now, I’ve seen the wonderfully positive experiences that come from it. Escalator is a great example of the excellent work done by all at NCW.’

Having had first-hand experience of the Escalator Scheme from both sides now, I’ve seen the wonderfully positive experiences that come from it.

Owen Nicholls, mentor

A distinctive feature of Escalator is its commitment to supporting writers whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in UK publishing. The programme particularly welcomes applications from writers who identify as Black, Asian or from another ethnically diverse background; LGBTQI+; working class; disabled or neurodivergent; living with a disability or chronic illness; having caring responsibilities; or facing economic barriers.

Applications are open to writers of fiction who are currently unpublished and unagented, and who live in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk or Suffolk for more than half of the year.

The deadline for applications is 10am BST on Tuesday 15 September 2026. Successful applicants will take part in the programme between late November 2026 and July 2027.

Apply now

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