Growing Concerns

We are delighted to announce that from October 2023 The Book Edit will be sponsoring a Novel Studio scholarship worth £1000.

Launched in 2004, City’s year-long Novel Studio programme provides essential techniques and guidance to enable its students to draft their own novels, and gain interest from an agent. With a strong publication track record, the course is a highly respected and competitive programme with a reputation for nurturing talent.

However, the financial burden of tuition fees can be a significant barrier for many talented writers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Since 2019, a scholarship for a student from a low-income household has been generously supported by Sunday Times bestselling author and alumna Harriet Tyce. (Former winners have included the writers Lola Okolosie, Janice Okoh, and Maua Hawa. This year’s recipient is Sonia Hope.)

For 2023’s cohort, The Book Edit will be sponsoring a £1000 scholarship for one talented writer from a low-income household to be used towards the total course fees.

Founded by Novel Studio Director Emily Pedder, The Book Edit is an editorial consultancy committed to supporting under-represented writers. Since its inception in 2021, their annual Writers’ Prize initiative has launched the careers of several novelists. Speaking of their involvement with City’s Novel Studio scholarship, Emily has said ‘We are delighted to be partnering with City on this important project and look forward to seeing the literary talent that emerges.’

The Book Edit’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering underrepresented voices aligns with City’s aims to create a culture in which diversity and equality of opportunity are actively promoted, and helps support the university’s vision for creating a more diverse literary landscape.

For prospective students interested in applying for the Novel Studio Scholarship, please visit our website for detailed information on the application process and eligibility criteria. The deadline for the scholarship is 31 August.

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please email the course director Emily Pedder on Emily.Pedder.1@city.ac.uk.