Confluence: New Writing Gloucester is our new project in the city
Applications are open now for our mentoring scheme!
Are you an emerging writer based in Gloucester with a passion for poetry or prose? Dialect is delighted to announce that applications are open for the Confluence Writers' Mentoring Programme, an exciting new opportunity designed to support the next generation of literary talent in the city.
Over ten months, we will work closely with five emerging writers, including two writers aged under 25, offering monthly one-to-one mentoring, creative development support, and professional guidance. Together, we'll help these writers hone their craft, strengthen their confidence, and develop a body of publication-ready work for today's literary marketplace.
This is a fully funded opportunity and writers will work with mentors who are experienced in their genre.
The programme forms part of Confluence, an ambitious initiative to establish Gloucester as a thriving centre for literary activity. We believe writers should be nurtured, connected and empowered throughout every stage of their creative journey. From developing authentic, place-rooted stories to building professional networks and reaching new audiences, Confluence is committed to creating the conditions in which writers can flourish.
Dialect’s recent research has highlighted a clear need for greater support and opportunities for writers in Gloucester. Through mentoring, workshops, events and publishing pathways, Confluence aims to build a lasting, inclusive literary culture that celebrates local voices while opening doors to wider audiences.
Whether you're taking your first steps towards publication or looking to develop a stronger body of work, we'd love to hear from you.
Applications close at midnight on Friday 11th December 2026.
For full details of how to apply, see below.
Application Process
Applications will be assessed by an independent panel through a fair and accessible process. Selection will be based primarily on the quality and potential of the submitted writing, alongside the applicant's commitment to developing their practice.
Our aim is to remove barriers for people who may not have publishing experience, formal qualifications or confidence in application writing. To encourage the widest possible range of applicants, we welcome written, audio or video responses to the application questions.
This approach aims to be rigorous, while remaining genuinely inclusive and low-barrier for emerging writers in Gloucester.
1. Confirm that you are eligible: check that your postcode begins with GL1, GL2, GL3 or GL4. If it does and you’re an emerging writer, then you’re eligible!
2. Complete the short application form here:
Name and contact details
Confirmation of Gloucester residency/connection
Age (to identify applicants for the under-25 places)
Preferred genre (poetry or prose)
2. Include a personal statement (300-500 words or a 3-minute audio/video submission)
· Tell us about your writing.
· Why would you like to take part in the programme?
· What do you hope to achieve over the ten months?
If you would prefer to use audio or video in your response, please do so and send it to: dialectsubmissions@gmail.com We aim to improve accessibility and remove barriers for applicants with dyslexia, disabilities or limited confidence in written applications.
3. Include a writing sample This will be anonymous and assessed separately from the personal statement. Send us your best work.
Poetry: up to 5 poems or 5 pages.
Prose: up to 2,500 words.
Please do not include your name on the manuscript so that the panel can undertake a blind assessment. Upload your writing sample to the application form.
Assessment criteria
We aim to be as transparent as possible with the way we will be recruiting mentees to this scheme. A simple scoring framework will be used to assess your application as follows:
Criteria and weighting
Quality and originality of writing 50%
Potential for development 30%
Commitment to engaging with the programme 20%
We will also reserve space in our discussions for:
Underrepresented voices
Writers from communities currently underserved by literary opportunities
Applicants who have not previously had access to professional development opportunities
Timeline
Deadline for applications: Midnight Friday 11th December 2026
Stage 1: Anonymous review of writing samples by an independent panel (December 2026).
Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants invited to an informal online or in-person conversation (15-20 minutes) focused on goals, availability and what they hope to gain from the programme (early January).
Stage 3: Final scoring and selection of 5 writers (mid January).
We look forward to hearing from you!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Juliette Morton on juliette.morton@dialect.org.uk
