London Writers Centre is delighted to be partnering with Lutyens & Rubinstein for our latest 1-2-1 feedback opportunity. From Wednesday 16 September 2026, we will be accepting submissions for:
· Crossover fiction
· Bookclub fiction
· Literary fiction
· Historical fiction
· Fantasy
· Crime
Jenny Hewson and Anna Boyce, literary agents at Lutyens & Rubinstein, are offering a maximum of eight short feedback sessions for submissions by writers from underrepresented backgrounds based in the UK.
Each agent will be offering up to four 20-minute sessions by phone or video.
What the agents looking for:
Jenny: 'I’m looking for literary fiction of all stripes with a compelling story and characters you can’t forget at the centre, whether historical fiction which revisits the past from a fresh perspective, or an intergenerational story, or something contemporary. I’m also very much on the lookout for fantasy at the warmer end of the spectrum, and colder, gothic tales in the vein of Turn of the Screw.'
Find out more about Jenny Hewson.
Anna: 'I am looking for contemporary fiction that explores the complexities of modern relationships and actively engages with ideas and the world around us. I am equally keen to find literary fiction with an unusual hook that surprises and delights me, whether that be through speculative elements or unexpected characters and settings. I am also on the look out for crime fiction, especially anything character driven and steeped in atmosphere, I love a small town but would also love to see crime novels set in unusual locations.'
Find out more about Anna Boyce.
We define writers from backgrounds under-represented in publishing as those who:
· From a lower socio-economic background as defined by the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion guidance
· Have experienced a lack of academic and/or vocational training opportunities – i.e. have not been able to study/train to their full potential due to low income, ill health, being a carer etc.
· Are or have been a carer
· Have experienced homelessness
· Are a single parent
· Have a disability
· Are Black, Asian, or Global Majority
· Are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
How to apply
Please note this opportunity is only open to unpublished and unagented writers based in the UK. Apply via Submittable. Only one entry per applicant will be accepted.
We will be open for submissions at 7pm on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
To apply, you will need to upload 3 documents:
· A covering letter of 1-2 pages that includes: A little information about yourself and your motivations for your project, a short pitch, a summary of your writing endeavours to date (e.g. Have you taken part in writing development opportunities? Have you mainly been writing on your own at home?), any comparative titles to your project.
· A one-page synopsis (250-300 words)
· An extract from your project (3,000 words maximum)
If you are a disabled writer, there is the option to submit visual or audio submissions. Please get in touch with hello@londonwriterscentre.org.uk if you need any support with this.
For the writers selected for this opportunity, Jenny and Anna will only be giving feedback on the documents that you submit.
Timeline
· Submissions will open at 7pm on Wednesday 16 September 2026
· The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm on Wednesday 28 October 2026
· Applicants will know the outcome of their submission by Wednesday 16 December 2026 and successful applicants will receive their feedback by the end of February 2027.
· We may do a follow up blog post with the writers who receive feedback to go live in Spring 2027.
If you have any queries about your application or this opportunity, please get in touch with hello@londonwriterscentre.org.uk.
Please use this form to apply to a text submission to The London Writers Awards 2027. Everything you need to complete your application is contained in this form. If you intend to apply with an audio/video submission, please go back to https://spreadtheword.submittable.com/submit and click on the correct form.
The deadline for applications is 9.00pm on Tuesday 3rd November 2026. Applications received after this time and date will not be accepted.
Please read the application pack for terms and conditions, eligibility criteria, information on bursaries and the access fund, and our FAQ before you apply. You can find them here: https://www.londonwriterscentre.org.uk/project/london-writers-awards/
If you have further questions, please email: bobby@londonwriterscentre.org.uk. We aim to respond to queries within three working days.
Please use this form to apply to an audio/video submission to The London Writers Awards 2027. Everything you need to complete your application is contained in this form. If you intend to apply with an audio/video submission, please go back to https://spreadtheword.submittable.com/submit and click on the correct form.
The deadline for applications is 9.00pm on Tuesday 3rd November 2026. Applications received after this time and date will not be accepted.
Please read the application pack for terms and conditions, eligibility criteria, information on bursaries and the access fund, and our FAQ before you apply. You can find them here: https://www.londonwriterscentre.org.uk/project/london-writers-awards/
If you have further questions, please email: bobby@londonwriterscentre.org.uk. We aim to respond to queries within three working days.