Poetry School x TLC Free Reads Scheme 2023-24

Looking to develop your writing under the guidance of a published poet? Poetry School is delighted to be partnering with The Literary Consultancy in offering 1 poet a free Mentoring place from February 2024. Find out how to apply below! 

This year, we’re excited to be joining the TLC Arts Council England Free Reads Scheme, offering low-income poets the opportunity to get free professional feedback on their writing. The main aim is to support writers developing their work and honing their writing craft through structured and constructive feedback.

The Free Reads Scheme is open to all writers based in England, and particularly welcomes applications from writers belonging to groups currently under-represented in publishing including disabled writers, neurodivergent writers, Black, Asian, and Global Majority writers, and members of the LGBQT+ community.  

What will I receive?

Poetry School is delighted to be offering 1 poet a free place on TLC’s Chapter & Verse Mentoring Classic Scheme from February 2024. 

Over the course of 12-18 months, you can expect to receive 6 feedback sessions (based on a submission of 3-6 poems per session) with your mentor, plus a final assessment of your pamphlet or collection at the end of the process. 

Many Poetry School tutors give one-to-one teaching (you can find more information here) and we‘d be very happy to match you with one of our mentors based on your requirements and availability. You also have the choice of TLC’s current poetry mentors: Ahren Warner, Rishi Dastidar, Simon Barraclough, Martha Sprackland, and Romalyn Ante.

How to apply

Please download The Poetry School x TLC Mentoring Application Form, complete and return it, along with 3 sample poems, to [email protected] by 11:59pm 8 January 2024. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!