Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship 2026 in UK

The Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship 2026 is a UK funded fellowship designed for early-career academics and researchers from Black, Asian or Ethnically Diverse (BAED) backgrounds who aspire to publish their first academic book. This writing program offers editorial guidance, mentorship, financial support, and publishing resources to help transform book ideas into publication-ready manuscripts.

Bloomsbury Academic, in partnership with Writers & Artists, launched this fellowship to support talented UK-based authors and promote diversity in academic publishing. The initiative provides a one-year editorial mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to professional resources, helping emerging scholars overcome common barriers in academic publishing and build successful careers.

Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship Benefits

• The fellowship offers £1,000 in financial support to the selected fellow.
• Fellows will receive a one-year editorial mentorship from publishing professionals.
• The mentorship program will include milestone editorial meetings throughout the fellowship year.
• Fellows will receive personalized guidance based on their academic field, career background, and publishing goals.
• Opportunity to receive editorial feedback to prepare a manuscript for publication.
• Registration to a UK-based academic conference attended by Bloomsbury during 2027.
• Complimentary access to the Writing Non-Fiction, a five-week online course by Writers & Artists.
• Opportunity to attend relevant Writers & Artists events during the fellowship year.
• Invitation to Bloomsbury Academic author events and networking opportunities.
• Opportunity to participate in relevant Bloomsbury Academic fellowship events and panels.
• Fellows will have the option to receive a 30-minute one-to-one consultation with a literary agent.
• Full one-year access to the Writers & Artists online listings database.
• Fellows will receive £250 worth of Bloomsbury Academic books.
• The fellowship provides valuable publishing knowledge and industry experience.
• It is an excellent opportunity to prepare an academic manuscript for publication.

Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must identify as Black, Asian or Ethnically Diverse (BAED).
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Candidates must live in the United Kingdom during the fellowship year (2027).
• Applicants must be early-career academics, researchers, or aspiring academic authors.
• Candidates must not have a publishing contract or literary agent for the proposed work.
• Applicants whose proposed work is based on a PhD thesis must have successfully passed their viva.
• The proposed manuscript must focus on one of the Humanities or Social Sciences themes specified by the fellowship.
• Applicants must submit an original and unpublished non-fiction project.
• The proposed project must be written in English.
• Projects submitted for previous Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship competitions are not eligible. However, applicants may apply again with a different project.
• Poetry, fiction, plays, and other creative works are not eligible.
• Applicants may submit only one application.
• Employees of Bloomsbury and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.

Required Documents

• A 200-word synopsis of the proposed work.  
• A statement explaining how the work educates or inspires within one of the eligible themes.  
• A provisional table of contents.  
• Projected word count.  
• A sample extract of 1,000–1,500 words.  
• A free Writers & Artists account.  
• Online application form.  

Eligible Fields

• Economics and International Development  
• Social Welfare, Society and Communities  
• Politics, Current Affairs and Government  
• Equality and Diversity  
• Climate and Environment  
• History and Cultural Heritage  
• Popular Culture and Media  
• Literary Studies  

How to Apply for Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship

• Before applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
• Create a free account on the Writers & Artists website.
• Prepare all the required documents before starting your application.
• Complete the online application form.
• Upload the required documents and writing sample.
• Carefully review all the information before submitting your application.
• Submit your application through the official online portal.
• Applications will be reviewed by the fellowship judging panel.
• Successful applicants will be announced in December 2026.
• Make sure to submit your application before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.