The Breakthrough Writers' Programme
Supported by the Curtis Brown and C&W agencies, we’re excited to run this programme of creative writing courses, mentoring opportunities and scholarships for under-represented writers – with all opportunities fully funded for the writers taking part.
Our objective is to seek out talented writers, who would not otherwise have joined our creative writing courses, and give them the best of our tuition and mentoring, delivered by successful author-tutors, literary agents and publishers. We will draw on our expertise to help writers maximise the potential of their works-in-progress and pitch them with confidence to the book industry.
The central programme of intensive courses and mentoring for under-represented writers is funded in full by the Curtis Brown Group and Curtis Brown’s agents. We aim to run the programme for at least three years, addressing many barriers to entry – and with each writing opportunity having a clear eligibility focus.
The programme also offers scholarship opportunities to enable talented writers to gain a fully-paid place on Curtis Brown Creative’s three-and-six month novel-writing courses. Many of these scholarships are funded by our valued partners – whether individuals or corporate sponsors and, again, will focus on specific barriers to entry.
‘A great way to learn about writing and the publishing industry.’
– Dominic JP Nelson-Ashley, Breakthrough Novel-Writing Course Feb 2021
Read on to find out more about the opportunities we are offering and how to apply. Subscribe to our newsletter using the form at the bottom of this page for future opportunities as we continue to build the programme.
Current funded opportunities
We are currently welcoming applications for the following:
Scholarships
Do you want to study on one of our popular three- or six-month novel-writing courses? Our scholarships support writers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend these courses. Take a look at what we’re offering.
Breakthrough Novel-Writing Course
This two-week intensive Zoom/online novel-writing course, led by author Jacob Ross, will act as an inspirational catalyst to help exhilarate your writing journey. It is entirely free for eight talented writers of colour with limited financial means.
Breakthrough Mentoring
Develop your long-form writing project with us. We’re providing talented, under-represented writers with nine months of mentoring from a published author plus a one-to-one tutorial with a literary agent.
The Breakthrough story so far
Read all about the opportunities that have already taken place and and meet the talented under-represented writers we’ve been working with through our free courses, scholarships and mentoring.