Creative Opportunities
Writers’ Mailing list
We share these opportunities with our Writer’s Mailing List before they’re published to the website. We’ll also let you know about any other commissions and opportunities that we can’t share here.
Through our UNESCO Cities of Literature Network, we’re able to offer writers, poets, graphic novelists, authors, & other creatives in Devon meaningful creative opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally.
If you are going to apply for any of these activities, please do contact us first to discuss your application so that we can support you as much as possible!
Want to get involved with Exeter City of Literature in your free time? You can join our lovely list of volunteers here >>
The Charles Causley International Poetry Competition
The Charles Causley International Poetry Competition is now open for entries! The theme this year is Heritage. Deadline: Thursday 31st December 2026.
Bremer Netzresidenz 2026/27
The Bremer Netzresidenz creates space for location-free literary work and combines digital working methods with literature in the public space. Deadline: Monday 30th November
Ljubljana Residency 2027
Ljubljana UNESCO City of Literature are looking for international writers with at least one published book of fiction to join them in 2027 for a month long paid residency. Deadline: Friday 30th October
Visiting International Publishers Program 2027
The programme supports a delegation of international publishers, scouts and literary agents to travel to Australia to explore the country’s unique literary culture. Deadline: Tuesday 10th November
Women’s Prize - Discoveries 2027
Discoveries is the Women’s Prize Trust’s transformative writer development programme designed to address the specific challenges that women face as writers. Deadline: Monday 11th January 2027
Short Story Submissions - Road Song Books
We are looking for short stories, verse and song lyrics for two future anthologies. Short stories to have a max of 3,500 words, poetry/song 300 words. Deadline: Rolling
Exeter Novel Prize
This prestigious prize welcomes entries in English from all over the world, and is open to all authors who are without representation by a literary agent. Deadline: Sunday 31st January 2027
The Story Garden - CoLab Exeter
Colab Exeter are creating a Story Garden, and they need your stories! Join them at an upcoming session every Monday 2pm-4pm to take part in this project.
TLC Free Reads return for 2026
Literature Works is offering low-income writers in the South West the opportunity to get free professional, constructive feedback on their writing. Deadline: Monday 7th December
Campfire – Exeter’s Quarterly Literary Salon
Exeter’s newest quarterly literary salon, a welcoming space for writers and storytellers of all backgrounds and styles. Next session Wednesday 18th November
