New Online Hub For Aspiring Writers Goes Live

The Sunday Times Peters Fraser + Dunlop Young Writer of the Year Award, in association with the University of Warwick, has established an online hub for emerging and aspiring writers, featuring contributions from high-profile authors and literary experts.

The hub, found at youngwriteraward.com, offers:

• Monthly ‘How To’ guides. These accessible, essay-format pieces promise writers a DIY online writing course. The series will be written by a different writer each year; starting in 2018 with AL Kennedy, Associate Professor at the University of Warwick.
• Monthly ‘What I Wish I Had Known When I Started Writing’ articles. Well-known writers will reminisce on their early careers. The series starts with Paul Beatty, Anne Enright, Ian Rankin and Nick Hornby. Paul Beatty’s piece will launch the new programme on Wednesday 8 August.
• Regular ‘Top Tips’ posts by experts, including staff at Peters Fraser + Dunlop, staff and students at the University of Warwick and journalists from The Sunday Times, as well as guest posts from experts from the literary world, such as the British Council, publishers and writers.

Talking about the launch, Andrew Holgate, Literary Editor of The Sunday Times, said ‘Bringing together well-known writers, experts in the field, and a network of partners, together with an exceptional list of alumni – from Max Porter to Sarah Howe, from Zadie Smith to Robert Macfarlane, from Sarah Waters to Naomi Alderman – the Sunday Times/Peters Fraser and Dunlop Young Writer of the Year Award, in association with Warwick University, is a unique support and champion for emerging and aspiring writers, providing those starting out with an increasing range of expertise, encouragement, and support.’

More About the Young Writer of the Year Award...

Sponsored by the literary agency Peters Fraser + Dunlop, the Young Writer of the Year Award, in association with the University of Warwick, rewards the best work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry by a British or Irish author aged between 18 and 35. Last year Sally Rooney won the prize for her debut novel Conversations with Friends.

The British Council is the international partner of the prize, opening doors for shortlisted authors abroad and providing opportunities for cross-border collaborations and exposure beyond the UK and Ireland. The University of Warwick is offering a bespoke 10-week residency to the winner.

The 2018 shortlist will be announced on 4 November, and the winner will be revealed at a ceremony at the London Library on 6 December.