The submission window for the Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship is now open until 1st August, 2026. Click here to submit your application.
Designed to support early career scholars in developing an idea through to manuscript stage, the Fellowship, founded by Bloomsbury Publishing and Writers & Artists, is open to up-and-coming, UK-based authors and researchers who identify as Black, Asian, or Ethnically Diverse (BAED)
“This fellowship offers a vital opportunity to challenge structural barriers in academic publishing, particularly for research that sits outside traditional literary canons.”
Dr. Fatima Z. Naveed, 2025 winner of the Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship
This year’s Fellowship will be awarded by a judging panel that brings together researchers and lecturers Claire Alexander, Elvis Imafidon, Richard Kerridge, Ulrika Maude, Lisa Pine and Kadian Pow, alongside literary agent Eli Keren, and Emily Drewe, Global Editorial Director for the Humanities at Bloomsbury.
The criteria for submissions reflects a wide range of Humanities and Social Sciences topics, including Gender and Sexuality, 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, and Literary Studies.
Bloomsbury is committed to preserving and increasing a broad range of voices reflected in published content. The Fellowship is one of Bloomsbury's long-standing Belonging & Inclusion initiatives. Read more about Bloomsbury's Belonging and Inclusion program and reach here.
"We recognise the urgent need to support people from all backgrounds and identities to become part of the global publishing industry, enabling diverse voices to reflect and shape our culture and society. We are committed to supporting new authors and creators to bring works across an array of genres and subjects to readers and learners worldwide, sharing ideas, knowledge and experience. Our philosophy around the Fellowship programme is based on one book at a time, supporting and mentoring an author to ensure we can create a lasting career for them.”
Pooja Aggarwal, Director of Academic and Professional Publishing at Bloomsbury Publishing
"I greatly enjoyed my year as a Fellowship mentor. Bloomsbury Academic had selected a smart and motivated young author with an intriguing piece of research, who was hungry to learn about writing for publication. I look forward to following the progress of both my own mentee, and the Fellowship overall."
Dr. Susan Greenberg, Fellowship 2025 Mentor
The selected recipient will receive a full year of editorial support and mentorship throughout 2027, alongside £1,000 in financial support, practical resources, £250 worth of Bloomsbury books, and event and networking opportunities.
The ultimate goal is to support the Fellow in shaping a book proposal they feel confident presenting to prospective publishers. Applications open at 9:00am UK time on 1st July 2026 and close 23:59pm UK time on the 1st August 2026. Full details about how to apply
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