Archive

London Writers Centre and Eve White Literary Agency Announce Survey Findings 

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The route to publication needs to be more transparent and less mystifying to the new or emerging writer in order for the literary market to become less elitist and more inclusive. The stories of ordinary people who may have had extraordinary lives, memoirs from more marginalised groups are all needed in order to not only show different experiences and perspectives but also can encourage other minority groups to share their experiences too. And consequently, this makes for a more diverse, more illuminating, richer literary market – and readership.

Writer quoted from Survey

Announcing Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards 2026 Judges

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In a time when we need art more than ever, this collaboration between London Writers Centre and Wellcome Collection enables our most talented emerging writers to evoke different perspectives and insights about our society. The programme is immersive, comprehensive and truly the best ladder you could give to any writer and I’mdeeply proud to be a part of supporting new writing from the margins and to support London Writers Centre once again.

Kerry Hudson, 2026 judge

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I’m very excited to be judging this year’s Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards. We need more underrepresented voices shaping narratives on health, but too many currently face barriers to access in the publishing industry. I’m keen to read interventions that feel unexpected, either in their subject, their tone or their approach to storytelling.

Micha Frazer-Carroll, 2026 judge

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I’m hugely excited to be working with the Wellcome Collection and London Writers Centre teams on this prize – expert-led non-fiction that helps us all to understand the lives we lead and the bodies we inhabit has never been more important and I’m looking forward to discovering some essential new voices and making sure they’re heard.

Eli Keren, 2026 judge

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We’re excited to run this programme again this year, to support a new cohort of writers with a big idea on health and human being. Particularly following the successes of 2025 – with all six awardees securing offers of representation in the autumn, and Masud Husain’s brilliant win of the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize with Our Brains, Our Selves. We can’t wait to be challenged, surprised and inspired by the entries that come in.

Fran Barrie, Publisher at Wellcome Collection

Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards 2026 now open for applications 

Quotation Mark Quotation Mark

In a time when we need art more than ever, this collaboration between London Writers Centre and Wellcome Collection enables our most talented emerging writers to evoke different perspectives and insights about our society. The programme is immersive, comprehensive and truly the best ladder you could give to any writer and I’mdeeply proud to be a part of supporting new writing from the margins and to support London Writers Centre once again.

Kerry Hudson, 2026 judge

Quotation Mark Quotation Mark

I’m very excited to be judging this year’s Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards. We need more underrepresented voices shaping narratives on health, but too many currently face barriers to access in the publishing industry. I’m keen to read interventions that feel unexpected, either in their subject, their tone or their approach to storytelling.

Micha Frazer-Carroll, 2026 judge

Quotation Mark Quotation Mark

I’m hugely excited to be working with the Wellcome Collection and London Writers Centre teams on this prize – expert-led non-fiction that helps us all to understand the lives we lead and the bodies we inhabit has never been more important and I’m looking forward to discovering some essential new voices and making sure they’re heard.

Eli Keren, 2026 judge

Quotation Mark Quotation Mark

We’re excited to run this programme again this year, to support a new cohort of writers with a big idea on health and human being. Particularly following the successes of 2025 – with all six awardees securing offers of representation in the autumn, and Masud Husain’s brilliant win of the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize with Our Brains, Our Selves. We can’t wait to be challenged, surprised and inspired by the entries that come in.

Fran Barrie, Publisher at Wellcome Collection

Announcing new Trustees

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London Writers Centre holds a space in the literary landscape that I have valued and taken part in activities with for many years. It’s a joy to join the Board of the organisation, one which is of utmost value to the writing and storytelling community.

Caleb Azumah Nelson

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I’m delighted to be joining the Board of London Writers Centre. With a new name, new faces on the Board seems just right. With a background in photography in the arts I now make my living as a fundraising consultant. I’m well aware of the importance of storytelling in understanding who we are and how we relate to each other. I’m looking forward to playing my part in supporting London’s writers to tell their stories.

Alec Leggat

Opportunity to join our Board

We are also seeking four passionate and ambitious Trustees to join Caleb and Alec on our Board.

Aimée Felone, Chair of Board said: “London Writer’s Centre is an incredible Charity with a longstanding legacy for making literature accessible to all. As the Board expands and the organisation continues to spotlight inclusive storytelling this is a fantastic opportunity to join an active, involved group of Trustees.”

We are looking for individuals who can sharpen our thinking and bring new and diverse experience, skills and knowledge to the table as we chart our way through a new era for London Writers Centre and the next stage of its development.

We have some specific needs based on current Board members’ areas of expertise, including in the areas of finance, HR and legal, but we are equally keen to hear from individuals who do not meet these specific criteria but believe they could contribute to our future success and resilience. Experience of governance at this level is not necessary, as we are committed to full and appropriate induction and training for all new Trustees.

If you are interested and would like to find out more about becoming a Trustee at London Writers Centre please visit our opportunities page.

The deadline for applying is 12pm on Thursday 2 April.

Deptford Literature Festival 2026 now open for booking!

We’re delighted to share the full programme for Deptford Literature Festival 2026, taking place from Saturday 21 to Saturday 28 March 2026.

The Festival will be taking over various spaces across Deptford and Lewisham, celebrating local creativity and diversity through stories, words and performance.

Now in its sixth year, the festival invites you to explore what literature means to us today.

With over 30 events programmed, there’s something for everyone: workshops and talks for aspiring writers and curious readers; interactive activities for children and families; a showcase from our Poetics Lab cohort of emerging young poets; a Festival Marketplace; live performances, readings and so much more.

The Festival features established and emerging voices of Lewisham, South East London and beyond. Writers and artists taking part this year include Kate Briggs, Jimi Famurewa, Erica Hesketh, Sarah Howe, Jarred McGinnis, Derek Owusu, Leone Ross and Francis Spufford, amongst many others.

Come and join us! Spaces are limited so book your place in advance. Book now.

View the full 2026 Festival programme brochure.

Posted: Wednesday 21 January 2026.