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LET’S SEE A WORLD WHERE WRITERS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS ARE REPRESENTED ON THE PAGE, THE STAGE AND IN THE WORLD.
We want to see a world where writers being published, profiled and celebrated are representative of the diverse and creative city and world we live in.
With the average income of a writer in the UK being £12,500 (Remuneration of authors of books and scientific journals, translators, journalists and visual artists for the use of their works, European Commission September 2016) ; making a living and developing a career as a writer in London is extremely challenging. Spread the Word strives to make sure that talented writers, regardless of their background, can access opportunities to create great writing to be enjoyed by readers and audiences everywhere.
Since we were founded in 1995, writers we have supported have been shortlisted for and won internationally recognised awards including the Betty Trask Awards, The Forward Prize for Best New Collection, the TS Eliot Prize, Brunel African Poetry Prize, BBC National Short Story Award and featured on a Beyoncé album.
“Spread the Word has been crucial in my development as a writer, producing fantastic projects that help writers at every level from every background imaginable. I honestly can’t imagine the literary landscape without them.”
– Irenosen Okojie, author of Butterfly Fish and Speak Gigantular
But they can’t do it all on their own. Writers need support to find their way into the industry, to develop their art, to create professional networks, and to realise the extent of their abilities and ambitions. That’s our job.
By donating to Spread the Word, you will be supporting writers in London to grow, thrive and make their mark on the world. In 2015-16, we were able to provide 1448 adults from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds with writer development or creative writing sessions. With your support we can reach more people to help them tell their stories.
Thank you for supporting Spread the Word.