Escalator Literature 2009

Writers’ Centre Norwich runs a talent development programme for writers in the East of England every year, Escalator Literature, supported by Arts Council England, East.

The scheme takes ten writers each year, and offers them

- creative mentoring with one of a panel of five excellent and experienced writer-mentors

- a guided bid to the Arts Council’s Grants for the Arts fund (up to £5,000 that can be spent on time to write, research, child care whilst writing, development courses and a whole range of other things)

- a series of professional development opportunities

- introductions to agents and the world of publishing.


The programme has had real success over the past five years. In a recently completed evaluation of the full five year programme

- 100% of those participating in Escalator Literature (45 people) said that the scheme improved the quality of work they were able to do;

- 82% were able to explore new areas of work through the scheme;

- 92% were more confident about their future as a writer;

- 92% felt that the scheme marked a major step forwards for them

- 96% rated the scheme as either successful or very successful

- 25% of those participating have since gone professional/full time as writers


Applying writers need to based primarily in the East of England. This year’s programme is focussed on writers of fiction or creative non-fiction who are in the early stages of their career (one or two books published, or unpublished) and who would benefit from both participating in the development and mentoring programme as well as the funds to write/complete a project. Full information about the guidelines can be found at www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk.

The closing date for entries this year is fast approaching (Wednesday 15th July)

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