Below is a list of links to other sources of mentoring, development opportunities and competitions for writers. Some but not all of these are specifically focused on supporting children’s and YA writers of colour. Please contact us if you’d like to add or update information.
- Top recommend for emerging children’s writers of colour: this podcast: Craft and Conversation, from inclusive fiction studio Storymix, exploring the craft of children’s storytelling, the realities of publishing and the people creating the books we want to see in the world.
- For those who are wondering ‘How does publishing work and how do I get published?’ Penguin Books have provided a useful and detailed guide that answers this question: https://getpublished.penguin.co.uk/ . Here’s also a useful link to how to write a pitch letter, from literary agency Curtis Brown: https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/blog/how-to-write-the-perfect-pitch-letter-to-an-agent
- The Society of Authors has a lot of very useful events and resources for writers, whether published or not. It’s well worth joining – https://societyofauthors.org/join/ . They can also handle public liability insurance and enhanced DBS certificates for you, which you will need if you are going to work with the public, for example by offering book events.
- The National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE) has an excellent pdf guide to mentoring and being mentored. It’s on this page, right-hand side, scroll down. https://www.nawe.co.uk/the-writers-compass/events-and-opportunities/mentoring-and-coaching.html
- Working as a mentor or as a freelancer in another capacity? Have a look at Arts Council England’s Freelancers’ Handbook 2026.
Organisations, competitions and events for children’s and YA writers
Hashtag Blak (Publisher)
They say: “We are currently focusing on commercial books for young adults (16+) and adults written by under-represented voices only. We are an imprint that celebrates love – self-love, first love etc. We love books that are plot driven with relatable characters.We are not open to picture books, children’s or middle-grade books. We have an open submission policy. This means you don’t need an agent to submit to us. Hashtag BLAK is an imprint of Hashtag Press.
Website: https://www.hashtagblak.co.uk/submissions
The Fab Prize (Prize for children’s literature)
They say: “In 2017, Faber Children’s and the Andlyn Literary Agency together created the Faber Andlyn (FAB) Prize to help discover new writers and illustrators from underrepresented backgrounds. This prize is the first of its kind in the UK and our alumni have gone on to release amazing books that are rich in culture and colour. But we want to do more with this platform. So we rebranded.This new platform is a hub for aspiring writers, illustrators and publishing professionals. Every week we will release an interview, conversation or article featuring a talented creative already working in the industry. There is so much more to publishing than writing, illustrating and editorial. There is enough space for everyone. FAB will proudly showcase this as well as championing the work and voices of those within our publishing community.”
Website: https://www.fabprize.org/about-us/
Book Trust Represents (Charity with research and resources)
They say: “Are you an author or illustrator looking for support or to expand your knowledge and reach in publishing? Join our growing community and discover the amazing development and networking opportunities available for established and emerging authors and illustrators.”
Website: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/programmes-and-campaigns/booktrust-represents/support-for-authors-and-illustrators-of-colour/
We Need Diverse Books (US organisation, offers mentoring world-wide)
They say: “WNDB strives to create a world in which all children can see themselves in the pages of a book. To reach this goal, we’ve created programs to celebrate diverse books, to mentor diverse writers and illustrators, to support diverse publishing professionals, and to provide books to classrooms nationwide.” This is a US organisation, but they state their mentoring is open to anyone in the world. https://diversebooks.org/programs/mentorship-program/
Website: https://diversebooks.org/
Inclusive Books For Children (Charity)
They say: “Inclusive Books for Children is a charity that aspires for mainstream children’s books to be inclusive, and for inclusive children’s books to be mainstream.”
Website: https://www.inclusivebooksforchildren.org/
Malorie Blackman/ City Lit Scholarships (Scholarships to study creative writing at City Lit)
They say: “City Lit’s Malorie Blackman Scholarships for Unheard Voices provide three annual awards to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing department at City Lit.”
Website: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/malorie-blackman-scholarships
Mentoring and talent development in your local area (Arts Council England Regional Literature Development Agencies)
South West: https://literatureworks.org.uk/word-space/
London: https://www.spreadtheword.org.uk/projects/london-writers-awards/
West Midlands: https://writingwestmidlands.org/writers/room-204-writer-development-programme/
East Midlands: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/get-involved/writers/escalator/
North: https://newwritingnorth.com/northern-writers-awards/awards/
Sussex/ south coast: https://writingourlegacy.org.uk/what-we-do/mentoring-and-other-services/
Black Agents and Editors’ Group (Listings of Black Agents and Editors)
They say: “A community for agents and editors of African descent working in UK book publishing.”
Website:
Writers and Artists’ YearBook (Essential directory of agents and publishers)
They say: “Over the last two decades the Children’s Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook has become the indispensable guide to writing for children of all ages from pre-school to young adults.(…) Its directory of 1,200 listings with contacts are updated yearly to provide the most up-to-date information across the media and publishing industry. It also includes over 50 articles by award-winning writers and illustrators covering all stages of the writing and illustration process from getting started, writing for different markets and genres, and preparing an illustration portfolio, through to submission to literary agents and publishers. Additional articles, free advice, events information and editorial services at www.writersandartists.co.uk “
Website:https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/childrens-writers–artists-yearbook-2024-9781399408929/
Undiscovered Voices (Anthology competition)
They say: “Undiscovered Voices is a volunteer-run initiative by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) British Isles to help fresh, new voices in children’s literature find agents, publishers and ultimately readers.”
Website: https://www.undiscoveredvoices.com/
Science Write (Mentoring for early-stage science writers from minoritised backgrounds including those writing for children and teenagers)
They say: “The ScienceWrite Programme, supported by the Royal Society, aims to help early-stage science writers from minoritised backgrounds – based in the UK – to advance their professional development. If you have an idea for a book, an article for a journal, a blog, or another writing project and need some intel and support, you’ve come to the right place!”
Website: https://www.sciencewrite.co.uk/
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (membership association)
They say: “The global community for children’s books creators.”
Website: https://britishisles.scbwi.org/
Arts Council England: Develop Your Creative Practice Grants (Small/medium grants for individuals which could include time and resources to write a book)
They say: “Funding to support individuals who are cultural and creative practitioners and want to take time to focus on their creative development.” Check the website for latest guidance.
Website: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/dycp
Mo Siewcharran Prize (Award for Black, Asian, Mixed-heritage and Minority Ethnic writers)
They say: “The initiative, named in memory of Nielsen BookData’s former director of marketing and communications, aims to nurture talent from under-represented backgrounds writing in English.”
Website: https://www.thefuturebookshelf.co.uk/landing-page/the-mo-siewcharran-prize-2024/
Inclusive Books For Children (Booklists, book boxes and awards for traditionally published books with a special focus on inclusivity and diversity)
They say: “Our vision is for every child in the UK to grow up reading inclusive books.”
There are many writing consultancies, critiquing agencies, courses, etc. See each individual website for more information on exactly what services they offer – many will have funding or free resources available and a range of payment options.
Write Mentor: https://write-mentor.com/
Harper Collins Author Academy: https://www.harpercollinsacademy.co.uk/
Golden Egg Academy: https://goldeneggacademy.co.uk/
Faber Academy: https://faberacademy.com/creative-writing-courses/childrens-writing-courses/
Arvon Foundation: https://www.arvon.org/
The Literary Consultancy: https://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/
This organisation offers a ‘free reads’ (expert feedback on your writing) service, find out more here: https://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/editorial/ace-free-reads-scheme/
Jericho Writers: https://jerichowriters.com/our-services/courses-mentoring/writing-for-children-course/
If you are looking for opportunities beyond children’s literature, The National Association of Writers in Education sends out an excellent email bulletin with details of all kinds of opportunities, including jobs, for all kinds of writers. It’s called The Writer’s Compass: https://www.nawe.co.uk/the-writers-compass/about-the-writers-compass.html
Grants and financial support for writers
Some grants are there to help you move on what you’re doing (your creative practice). Some are hardship grants that help established writers who are in financial need. All are competitive but worth trying!
Applying for grants advice:
1) Make sure it is right for you. Read the eligibility criteria and find examples of previously successful applicants. Compare your project – does it seem like the sort of thing they would fund?
2) Check the deadline and plan ahead. Many are only open for a short period but re-open annually.
3) Really look at what they want to fund and ask if your project genuinely fits this. DYCP says they want to fund ‘making a meaningful shift in your practice that leads to future opportunities.’ (i.e. they want you to develop your creative practice) Does your project really do this, or are you continuing what you did before with no change? How can you show them what future opportunities will arise because of the money they put into your work?
4) Follow their guidance, make sure you have given them the information they want in the format they want.
Grants for your work in progress:
Grand Plan: £1000 grants for artists of colour (includes writers): https://www.grandplanfund.co.uk/ . This fund has a simple application process, and examples of successful projects and applications so you can see if it is for you.
Develop Your Creative Practice Arts Council England: “The programme encourages development by allowing you to learn, innovate and take creative risks. It’s all about you and making a meaningful shift in your practice that leads to future opportunities.”
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/dycp
Other grants
There is a range of grants available and suitable for different circumstances, so check each individual website.
The Royal Literary Fund: https://www.rlf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/
The Society of Authors: https://societyofauthors.org/grants/
The Royal Society of Literature: https://rsliterature.org/join-in__trashed/awards-and-prizes/
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