The London Library launches Emerging Writers Programme

The London Library has launched the Emerging Writers Programme to support unpublished writers, with literary agency A M Heath one of the scheme's supporters. 

The new scheme offers writers one year’s membership of The London Library (which normally costs £535 per annum) alongside writing development masterclasses, literary networking opportunities, peer support and guidance in use of the Library’s resources. The Programme runs from 2nd May 2019 to 1st May 2020.

The Library’s Emerging Writers Programme is open to anyone who is committed to pursuing a career in writing (for publication or performance) and wants to develop their work. Applicants should be working on, or planning, a specific project which will make extensive use of the Library’s resources and is intended for publication or production. It is aimed at emerging writers who have not yet published a full-length work of fiction, non-fiction or a collection of poems, or had a full-length work professionally produced for mainstream film, TV or the stage.

The Programme has been established with the help of Library supporters including A M Heath, The Garrick Charitable Trust, The Golden Bottle Trust, and the Julio and Maria Marta Núñez Memorial Fund, and initially will fund up to 40 places. The closing date for applications is 12pm on Monday 4th March 2019; applications will then be selected anonymously by a panel of judges including London Library T=trustee and writer Daisy Goodwin (chair), head of prizes and awards at the Society of Authors Paula Johnson, novelist Nikita Lalwani, and an agent from A M Heath.

Bill Hamilton, managing director of A M Heath, said: “We’re marking our 2019 centenary at the heart of London’s literary life by investing in writers, both established ones and the next generation. As part of this we are sponsoring a number of subscriptions to The London Library for emerging book writers who are not yet published and who might find it hard to afford or get access to such a resource. The number of our established clients who have used this unique working environment long term is testimony to its enduring value.“

The London Library's director Philip Marshall said: “The London Library has long been a centre of literary creativity and inspiration. Our new Emerging Writers Programme will provide invaluable support to those beginning the journey towards a writing career, opening up the extensive resources of The London Library to empower their imagination and take forward the projects they are developing.”

Full details about the programme, including downloadable application forms, can be found at londonlibrary.co.uk/emerging-writers.