• Emily Abdeni-Holman
• Boakye D. Alpha – Reeves Award Fellow
• Esther Cann
• Kitty Edwards
• Lucy Fielding – Laura Kinsella Fellow
• Amy Honeywell
• Sophie Lau
• Dana Moss – Reeves Award Fellow
• Eve Smith – Laura Kinsella Fellow
• Esohe Uwadiae

A further three writers were highly commended by the judges: Nigel Atkins, Stephen Pullman and Graham Sillett.

Esohe Uwadiae is a multidisciplinary creative based in Essex. She is currently working on her first novel, Iniono (The Root of a Child), for which she was shortlisted for The Book Edit Writers’ Prize 2025. She said:

‘When it comes to writing, prose was my first love, so it feels really special to be coming back to it. I’m grateful to the National Centre for Writing for the opportunity to expand my creative skillset, build new connections and dream big! In the words of Oyinkan Braithwaite, I’m excited to end the year with a book I can proudly stand with and say — this is mine.’

Lucy Fielding works as an engineer in Cambridge and will use her Escalator Fellowship to write her first novel. She said:

‘I never thought I’d get an opportunity as amazing as this. Now that it’s here, I find I have barely any energy left to believe it, because I spent all my energy on wishing for it.’

To date, Escalator has supported 165 writers, cementing its role as a cornerstone of literary development in the east of England — a region celebrated for its inspiring landscapes, rich writing and publishing heritage, thriving independent bookshops, and status as home to Norwich, UNESCO City of Literature.

Over the eight-month programme, each Fellow will receive one-to-one mentoring from an established writer, alongside a tailored development package that includes group networking opportunities, workshops, industry insight sessions and career support, free membership of the Society of Authors, and a final showcase to agents, publishers and industry professionals.

Holly Ainley, Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement at NCW, said:

‘This is a milestone year for the Escalator New Writing Fellowships, which we kicked off in style this summer, celebrating the programme’s 20th birthday with a showcase event in partnership with the London Library. As we move into the national Year of Reading 2026, it’s more important than ever that schemes like Escalator exist to support the writers of tomorrow – who in turn will inspire new generations of readers. The success of our alumni has helped put the outstanding creative talent of our region on the map and I look forward to seeing our ten new Fellows follow in their footsteps.’

Laura Kinsella and The Reeves Award Fellows

This year, two fellowships are supported by the Laura Kinsella Foundation, and two by The Reeves Award, which specifically champions the development of Afro-Caribbean and Black British voices in UK publishing. Fellowships are awarded based on a prose extract demonstrating exceptional promise and ambition.

Escalator is also generously supported by Arts Council England, the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society, Amazon Literary Partnership, the Garrick Charitable Trust, and the Golsconcott Foundation.

Alice Jolly from the Laura Kinsella Foundation said:

‘Congratulations to all the writers who will be receiving support from the Escalator Fellowships Scheme. For aspiring writers, validation of this kind is so important, and the support offered under this Scheme will really help these writers to make the most of their abilities and press ahead with their writing.’

The 2025–26 mentors are Michael Donkor, Yvvette Edwards, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo and Kate Worsley. Notably, Donkor and Worsley are former Escalator alumni who have gone on to publish prize-winning and critically acclaimed novels.

Kate said:

‘I am excited to welcome this year’s fellows to the Escalator literary community. It’s a new world for both of them; but, as can so often be the case, it’s these writers who are the most exhilarating to work with: whose imaginations are fresh, whose voices are unique, and whose dedication and ambition I admire.’

The winners met their mentors—and each other—for the first time at the Escalator Welcome Day, hosted at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich on Saturday, 29 November 2025.

The Escalator New Writing Fellowships 2025–26 are generously supported by Arts Council England, the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society, Amazon Literary Partnership, Garrick Charitable Trust, Golsconcott Foundation, Laura Kinsella Foundation, and the Reeves Award.