grant places for writers on a low income

Would you like support writing a non-fiction book proposal but are on a low income?

Every Book Proposal Group Program that I run includes one fully funded grant place. Here are some FAQ to see if this might be right for you.

Why do you have a grant place?

Publishing is a very difficult industry to penetrate. As a part of my commitment to help make the industry include more diverse voices, I will always provide one grant place on every group program I run, so that those who could use my support the most can have a chance to access it.

Who can apply?

Any writer who is currently living on a low income. Examples of what is consider a low income, might be those who receive PIP or Carers Allowance, or single parents in receipt of Universal Credit. This is just a guide and not a strict requirement (there may be a variety of circumstances where someone is on a very low income but unable to access some of these benefits).

Do I need to provide proof of income?

No! Please do not send me any private documents. The form asks you to explain your circumstances.

How do I apply?

Please fill out this form and email me by the date specified on the Book Proposal Group Program page. When emailing me the form please include the words Grant Place in the subject line.

Please read about the program carefully before you apply, to make sure it is the right program for you and your book and that you will be able to attend the majority of the calls live.

How do you decide who gets the place?

The first thing I do is make a list of all the applicants that meet the requirements (of income and availability for the sessions). Then I make a short list based on the books each writer is proposing, eliminating any applicant who has not read the description of the program properly (this program is for non-fiction proposals only). And I make my final decision based on the proposed book and who I believe I am best placed to support. Every writer on a low income is considered, but my final choice is based on the proposed book, rather than an individual writers circumstances.

If I am unsuccessful will I hear from you?

I will attempt to get back to all applicants but I am often inundated with applications and so cannot guarantee a response

Is there any payment required?

No. The succesful applicant will recieve their place on the program completely free.

What do I need to take part?

Access to Zoom for our calls. All feedback on writing is given via Word.

Will the other writers in the program know that I am receiving it for free?

Absolutely not. Any information provided on the form about your circumstances is private and will never be shared. Once you accept your place, you are treated exactly the same as all the writers on the program.

I have some access requirements - can I still apply?

Please do let me know any access requirements in your application and I will do my absolute best to meet any additional needs. If I have any further questions, I will contact you.

I am not ready to apply for the next program. Will you offer a grant place again?

Yes! It is my commitment to offer a grant place on every program - that is one of the many benefits of book coaching in a group - I am able to support more writers. Keep an eye on the Proposal Group Program page for new dates and grant application deadlines. My mailing list is the best place to hear about program dates first.

Can I apply again if I am not successful the first time?

Yes! I often have a number of applicants I feel would be a good fit for the program but simply don’t have the space for them all. There is no reason why you can’t keep an eye out for the next program and apply again. Occasionally I will let writers know that I am not able to support the project they are working on because it does not fit the criteria of the program, and in those cases, please do not apply with the same book project again.

If you have any further questions about your suitability for the grant place, please feel free to email me