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Writing Scholarships

The Novel Kickstarter Scholarship and The Octopus Scheme

 

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Apply for Our Scholarship Schemes Today

At The Novelry we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to tell their story and make their voice heard in fiction. We are committed to a culture of inclusivity, and all our writers are treated like stars regardless of how they join us.

Writers can – and should – come from anywhere. Writing is a form of expression that is inherently democratic, but almost every writer could use a little help and support, a boost of confidence and some structure and technical advice. Storytelling is a skill that can be developed, and writers often need someone who believes in them and their story more than anything else. We’re here for you and your story.

If you are a writer in hardship or difficult circumstances, we can help you in one of two ways.

First, with our ongoing scholarship program year-round which offers a bursary discount to writers of potential or merit. Second, with fully-assisted places via The Octopus Scheme, a selective entry application process running March to May annually.

 

You can apply today for our Novel Kickstarter Scholarship program which offers a bursary on our Novel Kickstarter plan to writers on low incomes. The program includes our Classic Course, Ninety Day Novel course, Membership with live writing classes, and coaching sessions. The scholarship offers monthly instalment payments at a 25% discount. To apply for this scholarship scheme, simply fill in the form below.

Our Octopus Scheme offers eight fully-assisted places on The Ninety Day Novel Course,  to help you bring to life a bold story, beautifully told, in any genre of fiction. You’ll acquire the technical skills to craft a compelling story and develop a page-turning plot with over 100 lessons offering unique expert tools to plan, structure and pace your progress.

The Octopus Scheme will be open to applications in April 2023 with a deadline for application of 31 May 2023. Check back at this page then for more details.

Register to apply for the Novel Kickstarter writing scholarship

Receive your invitation to apply by email. A fast and simple process with a response within 3 days.

(Scholarships are only open to those who are not currently enrolled as a member of The Novelry and have not been enrolled in the past. Terms and conditions apply.)

 

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The Writing Scholarship Schemes

One-to-One

Write with one-to-one coaching by Zoom from bestselling and award-winning writing coaches.

Daily lessons

Create and write a first draft of your novel with daily lessons, writing exercises and tips from the online course created by a Booker Prize-listed author.

Weekly online classes

Join the world’s favourite writing group for novelists with author and agent guest events and weekly online writing classes. Engage in lively discussions with fellow writers.

Towards publishing

Qualify for enrolment on The Big Edit course to get novels ready to secure world-class agency representation in the literary world with our fast-track direct submission service.

Coaching

You’ll be guided how to choose your writing coach in your course before you get started writing. You will be able to work side-by-side with a bestselling author as your mentor to ask them about their writing life and discover techniques appropriate to you and your story. Our writing mentors are positive, constructive and encouraging, and you’ll find your sessions allow time for questions to explore your plot in detail and get expert ideas and idea to develop your fiction writing. Schedule one-to-one author coaching sessions by Zoom available in all time zones with the mentor of your choice.

Community

As a member, you’ll enjoy the support of our thriving and active worldwide online community, interaction with fellow students and be able to join author guest sessions and Q&As with literary agents and publishing professionals, as well as weekly online writing classes. You’ll be able to join specialist genre writing groups and live online workshops, and get access to our library of recorded writing masterclasses with bestselling authors. We offer a phenomenal selection of resources for writers of every genre of fiction writing and memoir.

Certificate

You’ll have a testament to writing skills of a high standard with our certificate of completion. Proof of expertise with an accomplishment overseen by a respected professional. The Novelry is the writing school recommended by the world’s leading literary agencies.

Our Kind Sponsors Of The Octopus Scheme

 

We would like to thank the author sponsors of The Octopus Scheme 2022.

 

 

Rachel Joyce

Rachel Joyce is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of six books, including The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold FryThe Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy and Miss Benson’s Beetle.

AJ Pearce

AJ Pearce is the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Dear Mrs Bird, which was shortlisted for the 2019 British Book Awards Debut of the Year and has been translated into fifteen languages. Her second novel, Yours Cheerfully, is the sequel and the second book in The Emmy Lake Chronicles.

Tess Gerritsen

Tess Gerritsen is an American novelist and retired general physician. She brings to her novels her first-hand knowledge of emergency and autopsy rooms and is the internationally bestselling author of 21 novels and the Rizzoli & Isles series.

Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella is a writer and former financial journalist. She is the number one bestselling author of Can You Keep a Secret?The Undomestic GoddessRemember Me?Twenties GirlI’ve Got Your NumberWedding NightMy Not So Perfect LifeSurprise Me, and the hugely popular Shopaholic novels.

Clare Mackintosh

Clare Mackintosh is a former police officer and the bestselling author of five books including I Let You GoLet Me Lie and Hostage. Her novels are published in more than 35 languages and have sold more than two million copies worldwide.

Kendare Blake

Kendare Blake lives and writes in Gig Harbor, Washington and is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of young adult novels and short fiction. Her works include Anna Dressed in BloodAntigoddess and Three Dark Crowns.

Ajay Chowdhury

Ajay Chowdhury is the award-winning author of crime thrillers The Waiter and The Cook. As well as being a novelist, Ajay is a theatre director and tech entrepreneur who founded Shazam and Seatwave.

Lesley Kara

Lesley Kara is a Sunday Times Top Ten and Amazon #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers The RumourWho Did You Tell and The DareThe Rumour was the highest selling print crime fiction debut of 2019.

The Octopus Scheme: Frequently Asked Questions

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