Take a step towards publication with support from the Jessica George Bursary
Jessica George – author of New York Times bestselling novel Maame (Hodder & Stoughton in the UK and St Martins Press in the US) – is delighted to present The Jessica George Bursary. Jessica searched endlessly for advice on writing and how to get published and found Jericho Writers to be one of the only places to offer helpful and inexpensive guidance.
We’re passionate about helping writers towards publication and are delighted to partner with Jessica George to offer comprehensive support to an underrepresented writer seeking agent representation.
What’s included?
A prize with a cash value of over £1200.
A full manuscript assessment Which includes an editorial report and a follow up conversation
Agent one-to-ones Four carefully selected agent one-to-ones
Ticket to the Festival of Writing A day-ticket to Jericho Writers’ Festival of Writing in October 2023
A lifetime Premium Membership A lifetime Jericho Writers Premium Membership and tailored support
For the runners-up: Two runner-ups will each receive an online one-to-one and a lifetime Jericho Writers Premium Membership
In Association With
Eligibility Criteria
You must have a completed manuscript that you’re ready to seek agent representation with. Your manuscript must be general adult fiction, fitting under commercial or literary. Genre fiction is not eligible (this includes sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, romance, historical fiction, etc.)
The bursary is exclusively open to residents of the United Kingdom who identify as underrepresented, which includes:
- Having a low household income
- Being Black, Asian or from a minority group
- Being disabled
- Being LGBTQIA+
- Being a primary carer
- Being an ex-offender
- Other
Apply Now
Applications are now closed.
We’ll be contacting everyone who entered by June 2nd.
Jessica George Bursary
Jessica George
Author of New York Times bestselling novel Maame
Jericho Writers’ Guarantee
Jericho Writers will find the perfect editor to assess the winner’s manuscript and submission package. They will then work with their trusted list of agents to secure one-to-ones with agents who are specifically looking for work that resembles that of the bursary’s recipient. They also commit to offering ongoing support and advice to the recipient in their publishing journey. While they of course can’t guarantee that the author will receive a contract with an agent, they commit to helping the winner in every way they can to support them in doing so.
