WRITERS' BLOCK 2027-28
Free Novel Writing Course
SUBMISSIONS OPEN
QUICK INSTRUCTIONS:
If you want help and support to write a novel, and the opportunity to meet top literary agents, just put together a single nine-page document containing a two-page synopsis of a novel idea, plus a seven-page sample of your writing.
Then CLICK HERE to apply.
And that's it. Applications will close at 11.59pm on Monday 7th December 2026. Good luck!
Do you have an idea for a novel? If so, we would like to help you take that idea and develop it all the way to a complete draft manuscript, ready to present to agents.
It worked for Carmen Marcus, Rachel Bower, JM Hall, Lisette Auton, Becky Orwin, Mike Edwards, James Harris...
You could be writing middle-grade children's fiction, or YA, or adult fiction... you could be writing drama, sci-fi, horror, literary fiction... any genre - we want to hear from you!
(We cannot accept picture books or chapter books, and no non-fiction will be considered.)
We are looking for FOURTEEN writers to take part in a year-long programme consisting of workshops, one-to-one mentoring and advice from industry professionals.
FOUR of those places are reserved for writers that identify as working class.
The process will include two online Meet the Agent events at which you will meet at least three agents from prominent literary agencies who will offer guidance and advice on your stories.
Successful applicants will attend seven day-long development workshops, and access up to 14 hours of 1-1 mentoring from WBNE.
Senior agents Judith Murray (Greene and Heaton Literary Agency) and Stan (The North Agency) will also visit Middlesbrough to meet the programme participants and learn more about their ideas.
We have also lined up masterclasses with published authors from our region and beyond.
How does that sound?
FREE TASTER SESSIONS AND EVENTS
We will also be running FREE taster sessions around the region in October and November. Places are limited, so to book your place on one of these workshops please email us at wbne2020@gmail.com
Saturday 3rd October
Darlington Library
10am-12pm
Saturday 10th October
Redcar Library
10am - 12pm
Monday 12th October
(please note: this is a new date)
Online Q+A
with authors Ann Sei Lin and Derek Owusu
in association with
Walker Books
7.15-8.45pm
To reserve your place at this event, email wbne2020@gmail.com, and we will send you a link
Saturday 24th October
Middlesbrough Central Library
10am-12pm
Saturday 14th November
Hartlepool Hub
10am - 12pm
Saturday 14th November
Billingham Library
1pm-3pm
Thursday 19th November
Online (email for link)
7.15pm - 9.15pm
This fantastic opportunity is supported using public funding from Arts Council England, plus additional funding from New Writing North, David Higham Associates, Project North, AM Heath and mima, plus additional support from Penguin Random House, Walker Books, Bloomsbury, Walker Books, Writers & Artists and Hardman and Swainson.
WHO CAN APPLY?
If you are over 18 and are able to attend regular workshops and mentoring sessions in Middlesbrough then you can apply.
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - maybe you've been writing for ages, maybe this is your first go. Either way, all you need for our programme is a great idea and the determination to see it through.
Note: we are looking for fiction. We cannot accept applications to develop memoirs, factual books or biographies.
No short stories or poetry either. Sorry.
WORKING CLASS WRITERS
As part of our mission to find more diverse voices we are reserving four places on our 2027-28 programme for working class writers. (We hope, of course, that we can put more than four through the programme!)
If you identify as working class, simply check the appropriate box on the application form.
We are looking for new and aspiring writers from working class and lower income backgrounds to take part in Writers’ Block 2027-28. We especially welcome submissions from people facing intersecting challenges including but not limited to Black, Asian and minority ethnic, disabled and /or any other historically marginalised backgrounds.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
It will cost you NOTHING, thanks to our funding from the Arts Council and various publishers and literary agencies.
HOW DO I APPLY?
We need a two-page synopsis of the story you would like to develop, together with a writing sample of up to seven pages of continuous prose, which can be an excerpt from a novel (not necessarily the one you want to develop with us) or one complete short story.
NOTE: The sample and the synopsis do not have to be from the same story.
We'd recommend it be the first 7 pages of a story or a novel.
For advice on how to put together a killer synopsis click here
To download an example synopsis/sample document, click here
The sample and the synopsis should be sent as a single document attached to the email. The whole document should be in 12pt font, and double spaced.
PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ANYWHERE ON THE SAMPLE OR SYNOPSIS DOCUMENTS.
Sorry if that seems confusing! We have to anonymise entries.
Then CLICK HERE to apply.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Monday 7th December
No applications submitted after this time will be considered.
A panel of WB associates and industry professionals will make the final selection.
All applicants will be informed of our decision by 5pm on Monday 21st December
We regret that we are unable to give feedback on unsuccessful submissions. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. But you knew that already :)
CLICK HERE to apply.
SCHEDULE
Or "what exactly did I sign up for here?"
DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Note: all events and workshops will take place at the Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough unless otherwise stated.
SATURDAY 23rd January 2027
First Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
SUNDAY 14th March 2027
Second Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
SUNDAY 9th May 2027
Third Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
FRIDAY 11h June 2027
Meet Judith Murray, Greene & Heaton
12pm - 4.30pm
SUNDAY 17th June 2027
Meet the Agent 1
in association with Curtis Brown
10am - 5pm
ONLINE
SUNDAY 4rd July 2027
Fourth Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
SUNDAY 12th September 2027
Fifth Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
SUNDAY 14th November 2027
Sixth Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
THURSDAY 18th November 2027
Meet the Agent 2
10am - 5pm
ONLINE
SUNDAY 9th January 2028
Seventh Story Development Day
10am - 4pm