Maame author George sponsors Jericho Writers bursary for underrepresented writers

Jessica George, author of Maame (Hodder & Stoughton) is collaborating with literary consultancy Jericho Writers to offer a bursary for underrepresented writers seeking agent representation.

Offered in association with four literary agents, Nelle Andrew (RML), Rory Clarke (Andrew Nurnberg Associates), Gyamfia Osei (The Good Literary Agency) and Hannah Todd (Madeline Millburn), the winner will receive a prize with a cash value of over £1,200.

The prize includes: a full manuscript assessment; one-to-ones with each of the four agents; a lifetime Jericho Writers’ Premium Membership; and a day ticket to Jericho Writers’ Festival of Writing in October 2023. Two runners up will receive a lifetime Premium Membership and one agent one-to-one session.

Entries to the bursary are open from 17th April and will close at 9 a.m. on 22nd May. The bursary recipient and two runners up will be announced on 2nd June. More information can be found here.

George said: “Being a writer and reader who has worked in the publishing industry, I’m hyper aware of the fact that there are still so many undiscovered talented writers with hidden stories. I also understand first-hand the difficulty of attempting to secure a literary agent. There’s so much to gain from this bursary, especially for someone who may not have the financial means to further aid their manuscript. Expert advice on the current shape of your work and feedback from industry professionals are valuable prizes for any writer.”

Anna Burtt and Elsie Granthier, the Jericho Writers team behind the bursary, said: “We both loved Maame and are delighted to be working in collaboration with the immensely talented Jessica George to offer this opportunity to someone who otherwise may not have access to it. The entire team at Jericho Writers are passionate about helping people towards publication, and we can’t wait to see where this bursary takes its recipient.”