The Young Writers Collective is a writing group for young people aged 18 – 30 and living in South East London. The programme is active between September and March. The first edition took place in 2024; since then, the programme has run annually. 

This year's facilitators for YWC 2026 include: Sarah Howe, March Jean Chan, Rachel Long, Fiona Benson, Caroline Bird, Yomi Sode, Safia Elhillo, Natalie Shapero, Richard Siken, Isabel Baafi, Pádraig Ó Tuama, Roger Robinson, Cecilia Knapp, Victoria Adukwei Bulley, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Victoria Kennefick, Courtney Conrad, Toby Campion and Carmin Wong.

Applicants must be:

Between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. 

Must live in London, with priority given to those living in South East London, specifically Lewisham, Southwark, Greenwich and Bromley.

Must be unagented 

Yet to publish a pamphlet and/or poetry collection

File Format: Usually .doc, .docx, or .pdf (PDF is best for specific formatting).

Document Structure: One document with two poems OR an audio recording of the two poems you wish to submit.

Anonymity: No name or contact info should appear inside the document.

Formatting: Times New Roman, 12-point font is standard.

For any further queries, please email courtney@londonwriterscentre.org.uk