Creative Future Literary Awards Open for Submissions From the Under Represented

Founded in 2013, the Creative Future Literary Awards is the UK’s only national writing competition and high profile awards ceremony for under-represented writers.

The awards showcase talented writers who lack opportunities due to mental health issues, disability, identity or other social circumstance. Prizes are awarded for both poetry and short fiction, including £1000 of cash prizes and professional writing development support and mentorship.

Entrants need to submit a piece of flash fiction (300 words) or poetry (200 words) on the theme of 'important nothings'.

Winners will be selected by a panel of industry experts.

Are You Eligible?

This competition is for under-represented writers in the UK who fall into one or more of the following categories:

• having a mental health issue
• having a physical disability
• having a long-term limiting illness
• having a learning disability/ASD/ADHD
• having a sensory impairment
• having a substance misuse issue
• being homeless or in temporary accommodation
• being a survivor of abuse
• being a care leaver
• being long term unemployed
• being a carer
• being an offender or ex-offender
• being part of the BMER/traveller community
• being part of the LGBTQ+ community
• being an older person (65+)

All competition entrants will have to state how they are under-represented on the competition entry form before being accepted as a valid competition entrant. 

How to Apply

You can apply to the awards online, by post, or in person. 

You’ll need to fill in an entry form and attach your poem, your flash fiction piece, or both. The closing date for submissions is 26th June 2017.