Ultimate Novel Writing Programme Bursary

Ultimate Novel Writing Programme Bursary

Thanks to the generosity of past participants, we’re proud to offer a fully funded place on the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme.

 

What is the bursary?
This bursary offers one writer a full place on the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme, including all teaching, materials, and support. It’s an invitation to take your novel seriously, to develop it with confidence and clarity, and to join a community that understands what it takes to write a book.

Three runners-up will also be given a free annual membership to Jericho Writers, where they have unlimited access to the video courses and resources we have to offer. 

 

When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is 23:59 (GMT) Sunday 15 February 2026.


Who will decide on the winner?
The Jericho Writers Team will select the shortlist, and our alums who have donated to the bursary will decide on the winner and runners-up.

 
When will the winner be announced?
The winner, runners-up, and shortlist will be announced on 2 March 2026.

 

When does the course start?
The course starts on Wednesday 1 April 2026.

 

What is the eligibility criteria?
To apply for a bursary place on this course, you must:
  1. Have completed at least the first 10,000 words of a novel that you intend to develop during the course. Submissions can be in any genre and for any age group. Drafts can range from a first attempt to a later version.
  2. Be able to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the Ultimate Novel Writing Course from April 2026 to February 2027. If you cannot commit during this period, please consider applying for the bursary next year.
  3. Be happy to share your experience of the course by contributing a monthly blog post for the Jericho Writers community.
  4. Not have been previously traditionally published or represented by a literary agent.
  5. Be an under-represented writer.

We define an under-represented writer as someone who meets one or more of the following criteria:
  1. Comes from a low household income.
  2. Identifies as Black, Asian, or from another minority group.
  3. Has a disability.
  4. Is a primary carer.
  5. Is an ex-offender.
  6. Other circumstances that may contribute to under-representation.

If you’re able to fund your place on the course yourself, even with some stretching or planning, we ask that you don’t apply for the bursary. Our bursary places are limited and are intended for writers who genuinely wouldn’t be able to take part in the course without financial support.

 

What information do I need to include in the application?
To complete the bursary application form you will need the following information:
  1. Name, email address, and phone number.
  2. A short synopsis of your novel (max. 250 words).
  3. A description of your progress so far in writing your novel.
  4. A 1500 word writing sample (in .docx, .pdf, or .txt format).
  5. A description of why you qualify for the bursary, and how this opportunity will help you develop as a writer.

You will also need to confirm:
  1. That you have at least 10,000 words of your novel completed.
  2. Whether you have been previously published.
  3. Why you are eligible for the bursary.

 

You can find out more information and apply for the bursary here.

If you have any further questions about the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme you can book a call with a member of the team here, or you can get in touch with the team at courses@jerichowriters.com.


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