Creative Future showcases the work of talented & under-represented writers

Founded in 2013, the Creative Future Literary Awards are the UK’s only national writing competition and high profile awards ceremony for under-represented writers. We 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 & professional writing development support. Winners are selected by a panel of industry experts.

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. Before you apply, it’s very important that you look through our eligibility criteria and our rules. We aim to make it as easy as possible to submit work to this competition. Please get in touch with Creative Future if you need help on 01273 234780 or email info@creativefuture.org.uk

This competition is for under-represented writers in the UK only. We identify these as: those who find it difficult to access the literary world either because of mental health issues, disability, health or social circumstance.

This includes people who feel their opportunities are limited as a result of:
having a mental health issue
having a physical disability
having a long-term limiting illness
having a learning disability/ASD/ADHD
having a senory 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 commuunity
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. This is a funder’s requirement. Entrants must be 18 years of age or over. If you have any questions or concerns about whether you are eligible, feel free to give us a call on 01273 234 780 or by emailing info@creativefuture.org.uk