The Free Reads Scheme

TLC has helped hundreds of writers on to publication, but its main aim is to support writers developing their work and honing their writing craft through structured constructive feedback. Since 2001, TLC has been in receipt of funding from Arts Council England to extend its offer to those unable to pay the fees for its commercial services. The Free Reads Scheme is open to all writers resident in England through a range of partners. You can find a list of the partners operating in each region, as well as more fulsome information about the scheme, here.

Writing East Midlands is the the TLC Free Reads partner of the region, connecting low-income writers across Northamtonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire with feedback from professional writers and industry editors. If you'd like to apply to the 2024 Free Reads Scheme, click the button above or scroll down to find out more.

The Free Reads scheme particularly welcomes applications from writers belonging to groups currently under-represented in publishing including disabled writers, neurodivergent writers, Black, Asian, and Global Majority writers, and members of the LGBQT+ community.

How to apply

In 2024, Writing East Midlands is asking applicants to submit extracts of their writing in a limited submission window to be one of six writers offered a free read report from The Literary Consultancy.

We are accepting extracts of:

• 15,000 words for books (fiction/nonfiction)
• 150 lines for poetry
• 5,000 words for short stories

In line with TLC's requirements, you will need to confirm that you are a low-income writer from the East Midlands who has not received a free read in the past 2 years.

If you are successful, Writing East Midlands will be in touch once the scheme closes to let you know that you are one of six writers whose extracts will be sent to The Literary Consultancy. They will then match you with a suitable professional editor who will read your entire extract and write a one-page report on your writing. TLC will be back in contact with you in 4-6 weeks with your report.

If you would like to apply for the chance to receive a TLC report on your writing, please complete this form by Wednesday 4th December at 11.59 pm. Do get in touch with comms@writingeastmidlands.co.uk if you have any questions.

Please note that due to capacity reasons, Writing East Midlands is unable to read your full extract. We will read the first 2,000 words of prose and 40 lines for poetry and will make our judgements based on this writing. However, your matched Free Reads editor will read and assess your extract in its entirety.

Whether you're looking for work opportunities as a Writer in Residence for one of our community projects, volunteering or work experience, or a position facilitating one of our young writers' groups, fill out this form and put yourself on our radar.

We'd love to hear about your areas of interest. Once you've filled out the form, and submitted your CV and cover letter, we'll be in touch when opportunities become available.

We will be seeking facilitators for our young writers' groups on a yearly basis, according to the academic calendar, with applications for the 2023/24 academic year closing on 31st August 2023.

The Open Call will remain open throughout the year to applications for our work with adults. When work becomes available we think will be of relevance to you, we will be in touch to let you know and invite you to apply.

For more information on what we do, visit our website:

https://writingeastmidlands.co.uk/