Representing Wales: 2026-2027 Writer Development Programme Open for Applications
Starting in April 2026, the programme will support a cohort of 12 writers by offering the following:
- A bursary of £3,000
- A personal mentor
- A travel and ticket fund
- An intense training programme on craft and on professional career development featuring world-renowned writers as tutors and guest speakers including online writing rooms and writing masterclasses, one of which will be a residential weekend at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre
- Regular opportunities for the cohort to share creative work and feedback
- Networking opportunities throughout the year, online and in person
- Dedicated support from Literature Wales including advice, signposting and identifying opportunities
- A bespoke aftercare programme
Deadline for applications: 5.00 pm, Tuesday 11 November 2025
The successful writers will be assessed and selected by a specialist independent panel. Representing Wales is a bilingual programme, and Literature Wales welcomes applications from writers who write in Welsh and/or English. Sessions will be delivered in both Welsh and English, with simultaneous translation offered where required.
The 2026-27 programme welcomes those practicing in a variety of creative genres including fiction, creative non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry and performance poetry.
Representing Wales is funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales. It has been developed to improve representation within the literature sector in Wales and to develop the talent and potential of Wales’ writers.
The Impact of Representing Wales
Every round builds on the successes and the feedback of previous years, and consultation work engaging with individuals and organisations within the sector.
“It’s no exaggeration to say being a part of Representing Wales in 2022/23 changed the course of my writing career. Every aspect of the experience developed my confidence and strengthened my work. From the array of informative sessions demystifying the publishing industry and the intensive, energising mentorship, to the friendships forged within the cohort and the time and space allowed by the financial support. Whether you are looking to take the next steps with a work-in-progress or start fresh on something new, Representing Wales opens doors to a wide community of like-minded, passionate people who will take your writing seriously. The benefits of which, if my experience is anything to go by, will continue long after the year-long scheme comes to a close”. – Jon Doyle. His debut novel Communion will be published by Atlantic Books in April 2026.
Hear more about last year’s writers’ experiences by watching the video below:
You can find out more about the impact of the Representing Wales programme by heading to the Representing Wales Testimonials section on our website.
Leusa Llewelyn, Literature Wales’ Artistic Director says: “Next year we’ll be celebrating 5 years of Representing Wales. This unique writer development programme for under-represented writers has truly transformed Wales’ literary sector, with more new fresh voices than ever emerging in publications, literary events and festivals. We are immensely proud of the programme and can’t wait to see which writers will join us to develop their careers in 2026.”
Before applying, please see our Frequently Asked Questions, which should answer everything you need to know about the programme.
Apply Now
Individuals from under-represented backgrounds who wish to develop their creative writing skills and their professional careers as writers are invited to apply. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and must be resident in Wales at the time of application and throughout the 12-month programme. We also welcome writers who are living outside of Wales to apply if they are developing work through the medium of Welsh.
We regret that the programme is not open for full time students nor employees of Literature Wales and its funders, nor those who have previously been part of the Representing Wales programme.
As part of the application process, writers are asked to submit a sample of their creative work. Video submissions are welcome.
For further information about the programme, including guidelines, FAQs and how to apply, head over to the Representing Wales project page, or contact us: post@literaturewales.org
Support for Applicants
Literature Wales is committed to ensuring that the process of applying is accessible and welcoming. If you would like to chat to a member of staff before applying, please email Literature Wales at post@literaturewales.org or call us for an informal chat on 01766 522 811 (Tŷ Newydd Office) or 029 2047 2266 (Cardiff Office). Or you can reach out to us on social media. We are happy to talk through the programme, and the application process with you, and to discuss whether Representing Wales is the correct programme for you at this stage of your career.
Literature Wales staff will also be available to answer your questions during two informal drop-in sessions between 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm on Thursday 16 October and Wednesday 5 November 2025. Click on the dates highlighted to book your free ticket through the online portal, or request a place by e-mailing post@literaturewales.org, using ‘Representing Wales Drop-in’ as the subject line.