Spread the Word is pleased to announce that applications are now open for Lewisham-based writers, poets and spoken word artists to apply for the Lewisham, Borough of Literature Commissions – To All the Places I Have Read.
The Commissions support the campaign to make Lewisham the UK’s first Borough of Literature.
Deadline for applications: Friday 29 November, 10am
Who are the commissions for?
Three writers of poetry or short stories who are aged 18+ and currently living in Lewisham.
Writers should be from underrepresented backgrounds. By this we mean:
- Black, Asian, or Global Majority
- D/deaf and/ or Disabled
- LGBTQIA+
- Having had a Working Class upbringing
- On a low income (i.e. writers whose income is through benefits or paid on or below the London Living Wage hourly rate, and whose savings do not exceed the amount needed to pay for three months of living costs (rent, gas and electricity, food etc.)
- Care experienced
One of the commissions will be for an early stage writer who is unpublished and unagented. By this we mean:
- You do not currently have a literary agent representing you
- You do not have an existing book contract with a publisher
- You have not previously published a full-length work (i.e. a work of fiction or non-fiction over 30,000 words, or ten or more short stories published either in a collection or individually, or twenty or more poems either in a collection or published individually, or a full-length theatre script, screenplay, or radio play that has been professionally produced and/or broadcast)
- Previously self-published writers can apply with a currently unpublished work.
For full eligibility criteria, please see our Terms-and-Conditions, also available as a Word document.
About the commissions
Three writers will be commissioned to create either an original short story (1,000-1,500) or two original poems (no longer than 62 lines each) on the To All the Places I have Read. This work must be entirely new, rather than a development of pre-existing work.
We are seeking writers to create an evocative poem or short story inspired by the unique stories and atmospheres found within, for example, Lewisham’s local green spaces, cafes, libraries, community spaces and restaurants. The work will reflect the diverse experiences and voices of our community, capturing the essence of these gathering spaces and their significance in daily life.
The commissioned poems or short story should intertwine the collected narratives and ambiance of each location. The piece should evoke the character of each place/ establishment while highlighting common threads of community, connection and the power of stories.
The commissions will be shared in the Deptford Literature Festival 2025 Magazine. Commissioned writers will read their work at a Lewisham, Borough of Literature event as part of the Festival on Saturday 29 March 2025. The event will promote the importance of these gathering spaces and the stories they hold.
Development support will be given to support writers to realise their ideas.
An access fund is in place to make reasonable adjustments for writers who require this.
The commission development period will run from December 2024 to February 2025.
We are looking to commission writers who can show a clear idea of what they want to do for this piece of work, that is realistic to deliver within the timeframe and resources available.
Commissioned writers will each receive:
- £1,500 commission fee
- Development support from Spread the Word
- Publication of their work in the Deptford Literature Festival Magazine
- A platform to showcase their work to an audience at Deptford Literature Festival and online as part of the Lewisham Borough of Literature campaign.
Commissioned writers will be expected to:
- Produce a new piece of commissioned writing (short story (1,000-1,500) or two poems (no longer than 62 lines each))
- Meet project deadlines, including a deadline for print publication
- Showcase the commissioned work at an event as part of the 2025 Deptford Literature Festival on Saturday 29 March 2025
- Take part in a Lewisham, Borough of Literature panel discussion as part of the Festival about your work and creative practice
- Support the promotion of the completed commissions and the Lewisham, Borough of Literature Campaign.
Commissions timeline
Friday 29 November, 10am – Applications close
By Wednesday 4 December – All applicants are notified with the outcome of their submission
Monday 9 December– Shortlisted writers are invited to short online interview
Saturday 29 March – Commissions launched at the Deptford Literature Festival
Preparing to apply
If it is useful for you, you can view the application form questions and prepare your responses by downloading this drafting form.
How to apply
Please submit your application via Submittable at: spreadtheword.submittable.com/submit
Written, video or audio responses can be given to any narrative questions. You will need to submit a sample of your work in written English.
Please note you will need to create a Submittable account to make your online application. This is free to do. If you are having any issues with this, please contact: [email protected]
Deadline for applications: Friday 29 November, 10am
What happens after you’ve applied
We will read every submission and invite up to six writers to a short online interview with Spread the Word on Monday 9 December.
Who to contact if you have questions
If you have any questions about the commissions or about access, please contact: Courtney at Spread the Word, [email protected]