Creative Writing Scholarships
Our open access-for-all scheme. We want to hear from you, too.
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.
Applicants will be offered a place on our Ninety Day Novel Course, jointly sponsored by The Novelry and a guest author.
The Ninety Day Novel Course is aimed at first-time writers, or writers who are on their first draft. With daily lessons that you can take at your own pace, the course gives you the tools and guidance to put pen to paper (or hand to keyboard!) and turn your story idea into a reality. One-to-one mentoring with an author tutor of your choice and one year’s membership to The Novelry is included to help keep you on track and fully supported all the way to The End.
Limited to one application per person. Don't worry if you're not ready, we'll run the scheme every year, so check back in Spring 2023. Please be sure to read our Terms and Conditions carefully before you apply.
The Ninety Day Novel Course detailsThe Author Sponsors
We would like to thank our kind sponsors
The Rachel Joyce Scholarship
Rachel Joyce is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of six books, including The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy and Miss Benson’s Beetle.
The AJ Pearce Scholarship
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.
The Tess Gerritsen Scholarship
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.
The Sophie Kinsella Scholarship
Sophie Kinsella is a writer and former financial journalist. She is the number one bestselling author of Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, My Not So Perfect Life, Surprise Me, and the hugely popular Shopaholic novels.
The Clare Mackintosh Scholarship
Clare Mackintosh is a former police officer and the bestselling author of five books including I Let You Go, Let Me Lie and Hostage. Her novels are published in more than 35 languages and have sold more than two million copies worldwide.
The Ajay Chowdhury Scholarship
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.
The Lesley Kara Scholarship
Lesley Kara is a Sunday Times Top Ten and Amazon #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers The Rumour, Who Did You Tell and The Dare. The Rumour was the highest selling print crime fiction debut of 2019.
The Kendare Blake Scholarship
Kendare Blake lives and writes in Gig Harbor, Washington and is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of young adult novels and short fiction. Her works include Anna Dressed in Blood, Antigoddess and Three Dark Crowns.
Apply Today
Deadline for entry May 31st 2022 midnight UTC.
To apply for The Octopus Scheme please email us with the subject heading 'The Octopus Scheme'. All applications are considered in total confidence by The Novelry. We do not require proof of eligibility but would be grateful if you could tell us in your own words about your circumstances.
Please include a 500-word sample of your writing and include in your covering email your answers to the following questions:
About my circumstances and why I would like to be considered for The Octopus Scheme
What I hope to gain from the Ninety Day Novel Course
Tip: if you're feeling modest about your work, and nervous about applying – do it! Often it's the case that those least certain about their writing are very good writers indeed!
Email usWhat do I need to take the course?
How does coaching work?
Impaired vision / hearing / second language?
What's included in the course?
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