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Writer Resources

If you are a writer looking for information and advice on how to navigate the literary sector, take a look through our directory of resources. From funding opportunities to unions and associations, the organisations listed below exist to help writers make a living from their work.

Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi)

A global membership association for self-publishing authors, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) offers advice and advocacy for self-publishing authors from around the world.

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Arvon

Arvon is the UK’s home of creative writing, offering a range of courses and retreats led by highly acclaimed writers in four writer’s houses across the UK. Locations include Devon, Shropshire, Yorkshire, and the virtual Arvon at Home online programme. Grants to help with course fees are available to those who need them.

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The Artists Benevolent Fund (ABF)

The ABF has been supporting artists for over 200 years, enabling them to launch, develop and sustain a professional career through partnerships with Higher Education Institutions.

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The Asian Writer

An online magazine and quarterly newsletter showcasing British Asian writing, The Asian Writer is for anyone interested in South Asian literature. It provides a platform for new and emerging writers of South Asian origin.

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Authors’ Licensing and Collection Society (ALCS)

ALCS makes sure published writers receive the money they’re entitled to when someone copies, reproduces, scans or otherwise uses their work after its original publication.

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Arts Council England

Arts Council England is England’s national development agency for creativity and culture. It invests public money from government and the National Lottery to support the cultural sector, and has a range of funding opportunities and grants available. Creatives, including writers, are invited to apply.

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Arts Council of Wales (Cyngor Celfyddydau)

The Arts Council of Wales is the official body that funds and develop the arts in Wales. Creatives, including writers, are invited to apply for funding and grants. The money distributed comes from both the Welsh Government and the National Lottery. The Arts Council of Wales is also an independent charity, established by Royal Charter in 1994.

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Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is the funding and development organisation for arts and culture in Northern Ireland. The organisation supports individuals, groups, publishers, and organisations. Creatives, including writers, may apply for financial support.

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BBC Writers

A division of the BBC dedicated to discovering, developing and championing new and experienced writing talent across the whole of the UK.

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Black Writers Guild

The Black Writers Guild represents professional and emerging British writers of Black African and Black African-Caribbean heritage. With a membership group of over 200 published Black writers, the Black Writers Guild aims to create a sustainable, profitable, fair and equal eco-system for Black literary talent in British publishing.

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Bookshop.org

An online bookshop with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops, Bookshop.org dedicates the majority of its profits to the bookshops it promotes. If an author chooses to become a Bookshop.org affiliate they will earn 10% of every purchase, with a matching 10% going to support independent bookshops.

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The British Council – Literature

A division of the British Council, the Literature team works with hundreds of writers and literature partners to develop innovative projects and collaborations. Writers can subscribe to a fortnightly newsletter and stay updated with cultural news, events, festivals, grants programmes and other opportunities.

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Citizen’s Advice Bureau

The UK’s national network of independent charities, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau offers independent, impartial, confidential advice on a range of topics to any British citizen. The service is free and can be accessed online, over the phone, and in-person.

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Commonword – Manchester

A writing development organisation based in Manchester, providing opportunities for new and aspiring writers to develop their talent and potential.

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Creative Future

Specialising in supporting creative people, underrepresented artists and communities facing barriers and inequality to opportunity.

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Creative Scotland

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits Scotland. They distribute funding from the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Creatives including writers can apply to access support through one of three main funding routes: Open Funding, Regular Funding, and a small amount of Targeted Funding.

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The Crime Writers Association (CWA)

Founded in 1953, the CWA promotes, supports, and celebrates crime writing, as well as writers of all crime fiction and non-fiction from across the globe and is responsible for The Daggers, the annual crime writing awards. Associate and corporate membership is drawn from literary agents, publishers, reviewers, bloggers and editors who specialise in crime fiction and non-fiction.

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English PEN

One of the world’s oldest human rights organisations, English PEN champions the freedom to write and read around the world. It is the central founding organisation of PEN International, a worldwide writers’ association. As well as being a renowned advocacy organisation, PEN presents three awards to outstanding writers each year and has a number of grant opportunities open for translations of contemporary literature.

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The Gaelic Books Council (Comhairle nan Leabraichean)

The Gaelic Books Council provides assistance for Scottish Gaelic writers by offering funding opportunities through commission grants, and by providing publishing advice and guidance.

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The Good Literary Agency

A social enterprise literary agency dedicated to increasing opportunities for representation for all writers under-represented in mainstream publishing, including writers of colour, disability, LGBTQ+, working class and anyone else who feels like their story isn’t being told in mainstream publishing.

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Goodreads

The world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations, Goodreads’ mission is to help readers discover books they love and get more out of reading.

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Help Musicians UK

Help Musicians is a charity for professional musicians of all genres, both in work and in retirement. It offers help in times of crisis, but also at times of opportunity, giving people the support they need at the crucial stages that could make or break their career.

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Irish Writers Centre

The Irish Writers Centre is Ireland’s flagship resource organisation for Irish literature. Funding opportunities include bursaries and grants for writers based in Northern Ireland, made possible with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s National Lottery funding.

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Journalists’ Charity

The Journalists’ Charity was started by Charles Dickens in 1864. Since then, it has helped thousands of journalists across the UK and Ireland with advice, support and financial assistance.

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The Literary Consultancy

As the UK’s longest-established editorial consultancy, The Literary Consultancy has been pioneering manuscript assessment and advocating for industry-level editing for all writers since 1996. It helps writers develop their work to find readerships and accolades; secure major book deals, theatre tours, poetry prizes, digital serialisation; and more.

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Literature Wales (Llenyddiaeth Cymru)

Literature Wales facilitates, funds, and directly delivers literary programmes across Wales. Their work includes inspiring communities through participation in literature, developing the skills and talents of writers, and celebrating Wales’ literary culture.

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Literature Works – South West

A charity based in South West England, Literature Works supports creativity and wellbeing by connecting people and communities, and nurturing talent across the region. It does this by running workshops, writing courses and talent development programmes; by providing seed funding; and by commissioning writing professionals to work in communities.

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London Writers’ Salon

A network for published and aspiring writers to connect with one another. The London Writer’s Salon’s hosts daily Writers’ Hours sprints, encouraging people to dedicate an hour to their writing every weekday morning. Members can also access a global writing community, take part in events, join virtual masterclasses, and sign up for courses.

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National Centre for Writing

A contemporary literature house in Norwich, the National Centre for Writing runs a number of flexible, online creative writing courses, designed in partnership with the University of East Anglia’s prestigious creative writing school. There are also opportunities to connect, learn and be inspired through collaborations, events, festivals, residencies and activities for writers, literary translators and readers.

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National Literacy Trust

An independent charity empowering children, young people, and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed. The National Literacy Trust believes access to literacy changes everything, and it works with people most in need by supporting schools, families and communities on a local and national level.

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New Writing North

An organisation leading the development of creative writing and reading in the North of England. New Writing North runs events, prizes, programmes and activities to inspire people to engage with creative writing and reading.

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New Writing South

A non-profit organisation for writers living and working in South-East England. Supporting and encouraging new, emerging and established writers from diverse communities, New Writing South runs a programme of courses, masterclasses and mentoring to help writers develop skills and careers.

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Out On The Page

Out on the Page is a catalyst for change; aiming to connect, develop and promote LGBTQ+ writers and writing. It does this by providing access to courses, signposting other platforms and opportunities, running online writers’ classes and networks, and championing its network of LGBTQ+ writers.

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PEN International

The international arm of English PEN (see above), PEN International has been promoting literature and defending freedom of expression worldwide since 1921. PEN International works to protect, shelter and resettle writers at risk.

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Pennysmart

Pennysmart exists to help any individual in, or at-risk of, financial hardship and/or debt crisis. Its support services are available online and over the phone and include free-to-client budgeting, benefits, regulated debt advice, and casework support.

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Royal Society of Literature (RSL)

The RSL celebrates and supports writing of all kinds and is a charity for writers and readers throughout their literary lives. They run an events programme and support authors, both established and emerging, with awards and grants.

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Scottish Association of Writers (SAW)

SAW champions writers and writing groups across Scotland. Their mission is to unite writers, authors, and writing groups to provide mutual support and networking. They do this by regularly updating members via a monthly newsletter, running writing competitions, providing a platform for localised writing groups, and hosting an annual conference.

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Scottish Book Trust

The Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that believes books, reading and writing have the power to change lives. They support writers by providing access to resources, programmes, competitions, funding and fellowships.

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Spread The Word – London

Spread The Word is London’s literature development agency, a charity and a National Portfolio client of Arts Council England. Funded to help London’s writers, it has a national and international reputation for change-making research and developing programmes for writers centred around equity and social justice. It offers opportunities including funding and competitions, runs regular workshops and events, and provides access to a network of other writers.

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Society of Authors (SoA)

The UK’s largest trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators, at all stages of their careers. SOAS advises individuals and speaks out for the writing profession, offering its members free advice including confidential clause-by-clause contract vetting.

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Turn2us

A national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.

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Writers Guild of Great Britain (WGGB)

A trade union representing professional writers in TV, film, theatre, radio, books, comedy, poetry, animation and video games. WGGB members also include emerging and aspiring writers.

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