• The scholarship award is open to all who have a strong interest in writing and who demonstrate talent and potential in their writing skills. You do not need to be a current or former City Lit student to apply for this award.

• The award welcomes applications from ‘Unheard Voices’, and in particular from students who identify as belonging to under-represented groups. This includes (but is not exclusive to) those with disabilities, people from minority backgrounds and communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and BAME writers.

• Our Malorie Blackman Scholarships are focused on providing support and opportunities for writers who not have an agent and have not published a book-length work.

• The scheme is open to all UK-based applicants. If you are allocated the scholarship, you may be expected to attend in-person meetings or events at City Lit’s main site on Keeley Street in central London.

• Applicants must be aged 19 or above on 01 September 2025.

• Applications are invited from those writing in any of the following genres (or a mixture of the following): fiction (novel writing, short story writing, writing for children etc.); poetry; creative non-fiction (autobiography, memoir writing, journal writing, etc.); journalism, playwriting & screenwriting. We do not accept applications from those who are studying or primarily interested in academic and business writing.

• No previous experience is required but, as part of their application form, students must demonstrate an active interest in writing and a desire to develop their skills.

• Your writing sample and personal statement must not include any AI-generated material.