Spread the Word is proud to announce its flagship writer development programme, The London Writers Awards, is returning for its sixth year. Supported through a philanthropic donation by Sam and Rosie Berwick, the programme aims to increase the number of writers from underrepresented communities being agented and published. It will be open to writers of literary, commercial and YA/children’s fiction with the programme funded for 2026 and 2027.
Originally launched in 2018, the London Writers Awards has become the most successful writer development scheme in the UK – supporting 144 writers since 2018, with 62 book deals and 50 writers agented. It has launched the creative careers of Natasha Brown, Cecile Pin, Tice Cin, Tom Newlands, Oisín McKenna, Ashani Lewis and Santanu Bhattacharya amongst others.
Each year the London Writers Awards supports 24 writers through a ten-month programme of masterclasses, industry days, one-on-one support and critical feedback groups. Built into the programme are active conversations about what it means to be a writer from an underrepresented community entering an industry that remains predominantly white, heteronormative and middle class.
The Awards aim to actively increase the number of writers on a low income progressing their creative careers through providing an enhanced bursary and access fund offer and remaining free to participate in. The programme provides holistic and on-going creative and career support and community building for writers through its alumni network and is launching a quarterly Writers and Readers Salon sponsored by ALCS at Burley Fisher Books on Thursday 18 September with Oisín McKenna, Tom Newlands, Alexandra Sheppard and Tasneem Abdur-Rashid.
Ruth Harrison, Director of Spread the Word says: “We are delighted to be opening the London Writers Awards for the sixth year and announcing our author and publishing industry judges. In a time of uncertainty and a continued moving away from supporting diverse voices and stories, it is critical that we remain committed to, and invest in, the support early stage writers from underrepresented communities need to thrive and build their careers. The London Writers Awards has an unmatched track record in responding to this need; discovering new voices and providing the spaces, support and networks for writers to develop their work and get it out into the world.”
Juliet Pickering, Agent at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency and London Writers Awards Judge says: “The London Writers Awards always throw a light on exciting, intriguing writing and a host of authors with real dynamism. I’m delighted to be joining the judges this year and can’t wait to see what the entries bring us. It’s an award that is vital to the industry at a time when we struggle to reach the writers we most want to include in our publishing, and I’m deeply grateful for the varied and incredible talent it’s brought to us and to readers so far.”
Sam Berwick, programme donor says: “Rosie and I are very pleased to be able to continue supporting Spread the Word and the London Writers Awards for another year. We have been thrilled to hear from the writers how much the programme has meant to them over the last twelve months and we believe passionately that contributing to the arts is investing in all that is incredible and original in being human. At a time when so much threatens to narrow and diminish our collective vision, Spread the Word and the writers it supports and nourishes, does the opposite. We hope our support can encourage others to step forward, ensuring that writers of talent and imagination have the platform they deserve.”
Applications will open on Tuesday 23 September at midday and close on Thursday 30 October at 5pm.
The 2026 Awards will be judged by author judges: Tasneem Abdur-Rashid, Ashani Lewis, Tom Newlands and Alexandra Sheppard. The industry judges are: Kerry-Ann Bentley (KAB Literary), Juliet Pickering (Blake Friedmann), Liv Maidment (Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency) and Christabel McKinley (DHA). Click here for more details on the judges.
The London Writers Awards application pack, which includes Eligibility Criteria, Terms & Conditions and FAQs will be available online from 22 September 2024 in text, audio and inclusive read formats. Visit the London Writers Awards project page for more details.
A free online information session will be run on Tuesday 30 September, 7pm-8.15pm, for people considering applying for the London Writers Awards. The session will be BSL interpreted. Click here to register for the seminar.
Published: 9 September 2025