Applications are now open for the Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship 2026, offering early career researchers from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse (BAED) backgrounds in the United Kingdom the opportunity to transform their academic book ideas into publication-ready manuscripts.
Now in its fourth year, the fellowship is jointly delivered by Bloomsbury Academic and Writers & Artists. The programme is designed to support emerging scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences through editorial mentorship, financial assistance, networking opportunities and publishing guidance.
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. (UK time) on 1 August 2026.
Fellowship aims to increase diversity in academic publishing
The Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship was established to address barriers faced by underrepresented scholars in academic publishing by providing tailored support throughout the manuscript development process.
Rather than funding completed books, the fellowship helps recipients refine promising research into publication-ready proposals that can be submitted to academic publishers.
The selected fellow will receive support throughout 2027, working closely with publishing professionals and subject specialists to strengthen both their manuscript and publishing knowledge.
What the successful fellow will receive
The 2026 Fellowship offers a comprehensive package of professional and financial support, including:
- £1,000 financial grant at the beginning of the fellowship year.
- One year of personalised editorial mentorship from an experienced academic mentor.
- £250 worth of Bloomsbury Academic books.
- Full access to the Writers & Artists online publishing directory for one year.
- A complimentary place on the Writing Non-Fiction online course.
- Free access to selected Writers & Artists events during 2027.
- Invitations to Bloomsbury Academic author events and fellowship activities.
- Registration for a UK-based academic conference attended by Bloomsbury.
- A one-to-one consultation with a literary agent for proposal feedback and publishing advice.
Runners-up will also receive recognition, including:
- £250 worth of Bloomsbury Academic books.
- Access to one Writers & Artists Evening Masterclass.
- A subscription to the Writers & Artists Listings database.
Who can apply?
The fellowship is open to applicants who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Identify as Black, Asian or Ethnically Diverse (BAED).
- Be 18 years or older.
- Be living in the United Kingdom during the fellowship year (2027).
- Be an early career academic, researcher or author.
- Not currently have a publishing contract or literary agent for the proposed work.
- Have successfully passed their PhD viva if the submission is based on doctoral research.
Applicants who submitted the same project in previous fellowship rounds are not eligible, although they may apply again with a different project.
Eligible research themes
Proposed manuscripts should address a significant topic within the Humanities or Social Sciences.
Eligible themes include:
- Gender and Sexuality.
- Economics and International Development.
- Social Welfare, Society and Communities.
- Politics, Government and Current Affairs.
- Equality and Diversity.
- Climate and Environment.
- History and Cultural Heritage.
- Popular Culture and Media.
- Literary Studies.
Projects are expected to contribute new perspectives while educating and inspiring readers within one of these disciplines.
Application requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials:
- A 200-word synopsis explaining the proposed book and its significance.
- A statement describing how the work contributes to one of the fellowship’s key thematic areas.
- A provisional table of contents.
- An estimated final word count.
- A 1,000–1,500-word sample chapter or extract.
- A free Writers & Artists online account.
- A completed online application form.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents in advance before submitting their entries through the official competition portal.
Fellowship focuses on publication readiness
Unlike traditional research grants, the Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship concentrates on helping scholars develop manuscripts that are ready for submission to academic publishers.
Throughout the year-long mentorship programme, fellows participate in milestone editorial meetings where they receive detailed feedback, publishing advice and practical guidance on refining their work.
Where possible, one mentoring session will take place at Bloomsbury Publishing’s London offices, allowing fellows to gain direct insight into the academic publishing process.
Publishing experts and academics to select the 2026 fellow
Applications will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of academics, editors and publishing professionals representing various disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences.
The judging panel includes university professors, Bloomsbury editorial leaders and literary agents with expertise in academic publishing, sociology, history, philosophy, environmental studies and African studies.
Successful applicants are expected to be announced in December 2026.
Key dates
Prospective applicants should note the following timeline:
- Applications opened: 1 July 2026.
- Applicat
- ion deadline: 1 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (UK time).
- Successful fellow announced: December 2026.
- Fellowship programme: Throughout 2027.
The Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship 2026 offers an important opportunity for early career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds to receive expert mentorship, financial support and publishing guidance while transforming original research into a manuscript ready for the academic publishing market.
