New Voices Rise: Poetry

Isabelle Baafi - Gravida

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find a list of frequently asked questions about The London Library Emerging Writers Programme.

Please note that most of the answers to these questions can be found in the Application Guidelines on the Emerging Writers Programme webpage and the most important things to remember are:

• Read the Application Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria carefully
• Follow the instructions on the Application Form carefully
• Do not exceed the wordcount in your writing sample
• Make sure your name is not on your writing sample or in your answers to the questions in Section 2 of the form.

How do I apply to The London Library Emerging Writers Programme? 
You can find a link to both the Application Guidelines and the online Application Form here. 

Is there an age limit on applications?  
The Programme is open to anyone of any age over 16. A question on the Application Form asks you to tick the box if you are aged 16-29 as we have one funder specifically interested in supporting those applicants, but we welcome applications from anybody 16 years old or over and there is no upper age limit.

I do not live in the UK, can I apply?  
Programme participants must be a resident in the UK for the entire duration of the Programme. If you are planning to move to the UK but do not currently have a UK address, please let us know within one of your statements on the Application Form.

I do not have an address, can I still apply?  
Yes. The form requires an address but if you cannot fill this in, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., let us know your circumstances and we will let you know what to do.

I do not live in London, is this a problem?  
The Programme is open to writers living anywhere in the UK. However, applicants must be committed to attending all Emerging Writers Programme events (which include peer support meetings) at the Library. We may be able to offer a travel bursary to enable attendance at events. This will be allocated on a case-by-case basis. You may also be eligible for the Virago Participation Bursary. See the bottom of the Emerging Writers Programme webpage for details.

How often and what day of the week are the Programme events?  
Events take place once a month and all events take place on weekday evenings. The launch will be held on the evening of 3rd July 2024 and the end-of-Programme event is still to be announced. Events are generally held from 6.30-9pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Some optional extra events may also be added to the calendar.

What happens if there’s another pandemic/more train strikes/anything else which might prevent in-person attendance?  
The Programme is designed to take place as much as possible at the Library. However, it can be adapted to move online if required (as it successfully was throughout lockdown).

I have access requirements. Will that affect my ability to take part in the Programme?  
No. We will work with you to make sure your requirements are met so that you can participate fully in the Programme.

What kinds of writing do you accept on the Programme?  
The Programme is open to writers of any genre/form/discipline and our judging panel have expertise in multiple areas. We will be looking for a diverse range of projects, genres and writing styles when selecting the cohort of Emerging Writers.

I have previously published a poetry pamphlet. Can I still apply?  
No. Please note that this is a change from previous years, introduced to ensure that writers really are emerging. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

I have work published online/in a newspaper. Can I still apply?  
Yes. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

I have had a play performed at a fringe theatre. Can I still apply?  
Yes. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

I have had a short film made. Can I still apply?  
Yes. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

I have had work published by an academic publisher. Can I still apply?  
Yes. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

My short stories/poems/essays have been published in journals/anthologies. Can I still apply?  
Yes. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

I have previously self-published. Can I apply?  
Yes. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

I have an agent but they have not yet sold my book. Can I apply?  
Yes. But please let us know if anything changes.

I am a published author but I still think I would benefit from the Programme. Can I apply?  
No. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

I have a contract with a publisher but my book is not yet out. Can I apply?  
No. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

I have had work published before but it was a long time ago. Can I still apply?  
No. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

The project I want to work on during the Programme is a literary translation. Can I apply?  
Yes. Please do! We do not see enough translation submissions. But please make sure your submission is in English.

The project I want to work on during the Programme is a graphic novel. Can I apply?  
Yes. Please do! We do not see enough graphic novel submissions.

I have been writing a long time for pleasure, am I an emerging writer?  
We believe you can ‘emerge’ at any time or at any age. As long as you have not had your work professionally published or produced, you are eligible. Please see the guidelines for our definition of an emerging writer here.

Can I apply with more than one writing project?  
You can, as long as they are on the same Application Form. Only one entry per person is permitted.

Can I include more than one sample of my writing?  
Yes, as long as they are on the same document and you do not exceed the overall word count.

Can my writing sample be an excerpt from something or should it be a complete piece?  
You can submit an excerpt or a complete piece, as long as you do not exceed the word count. We recommend submitting the best example of your writing from your proposed project or something that very closely relates to your proposed project.

What if I don’t have an example of work from my proposed project?  
You can upload any sample of writing you like but please make sure it relates to your proposal – i.e. the same genre/form - and please make sure it does not exceed the word count. You will see in the Application Form, that if you are submitting something different to your proposed project, you can tell us a little about the piece you’ve submitted.

My script is in Final Cut. Can I submit it in that format?  
No. We will not be able to open the document. Please submit it as a word document or PDF. Also, make sure you don’t leave your name anywhere on your writing sample.

What happens if my writing sample exceeds the word count?  
Your application will be disqualified if you exceed the word count.

What happens if my name appears anywhere in my answers to Section 2 of the Application Form, or on my writing sample?  
Your application will be disqualified. This is to ensure the judges can judge anonymously. Please check carefully. And do not include your website or social media handles because that amounts to the same thing!

Aside from my name, what do you mean by identifying information? 
Please do not include information that, with one quick Google, will lead to us working out who you are, for example, the title of any piece of your work which is in the public domain, the year you won a particular competition, the organisation you run, the role you play on TV, etc. General information, such as your nationality or the area where you live, does not count as identifying information.

What exactly are the judges looking for?  
Primarily: great ideas; great writing; genuine interest in The London Library; and a clear commitment and desire to participate fully on the Programme.

Can I use the Programme to work on my PhD/MA?  
In theory, yes. But please bear in mind that you will be expected to fully participate in the Programme – which includes writing development masterclasses, peer support meetings and other gatherings. If your primary interest is in Library membership, please look into the different tiers of membership available. You might also consider applying for Supported Membership. The details are here.

My primary interest in applying is membership of the Library rather than the other elements of the Programme. Should I apply?  
Please do not apply if you are not interested in participating in every element of the Programme. You will be taking a place from somebody who could benefit more. You are very welcome to join the Library. If you cannot afford the full fee, you might want to consider applying for Supported Membership or we have a variety of other membership options which might be more suited to your needs or budget.  All the membership type details are here.

I am already a member of The London Library, can I apply?  
Yes!

I used to work at The London Library, can I apply?  
Yes!

The deadline has passed. Will you still except my submission?  
No. The online system will not accept submissions beyond the deadline. We receive a high volume of submissions and have a tight turnaround to get them to the judges so we are very strict about this. Please make sure you give yourself enough time to get your submission together and allow for last minute computer crashes etc.

…What if I have a really good excuse?  
Even if you have a really good excuse!

When will I learn the outcome of my application?  
We will let all successful applicants know the outcome of their application by 7 June and all unsuccessful applicants by 14 June. The Programme starts on 1 July.

Do you provide feedback on unsuccessful applications?  
We receive a high volume of applications so we are unable to give feedback. But you are welcome to apply again next time around.

I am not eligible for the Programme. Can I still join The London Library?  
The London Library is open to everyone. If you cannot afford the full fee, you might want to consider applying for Supported Membership or we have a variety of other membership options which might be more suited to your needs or budget.  All the membership type details are here.