TopWrite 2020 Applications are now closed
Watch this space for further news about TopWrite 2021
Watch this space for further news about TopWrite 2021
TopWrite 2020
Are you...
- aged between 18 and 30?
- committed to writing?
- eager for an opportunity that introduces you what writing as a career might actually be like?
If so, TopWrite could be the opportunity you’re looking for…
- committed to writing?
- eager for an opportunity that introduces you what writing as a career might actually be like?
If so, TopWrite could be the opportunity you’re looking for…
What does TopWrite offer?
TopWrite offers a place at the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School 2020 for just £125 (normal price £595).
The Summer School is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring young writers, where you will find a wealth of classes, courses and workshops, plus as much supportive conversation and feedback as you have energy for. As well as the programme of events, the experience of spending a week surrounded by writers has often been picked out by past TopWriters as particularly valuable. At Swanwick, your writing career can be changed in a moment by a chat with a stranger over coffee…
The Summer School is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring young writers, where you will find a wealth of classes, courses and workshops, plus as much supportive conversation and feedback as you have energy for. As well as the programme of events, the experience of spending a week surrounded by writers has often been picked out by past TopWriters as particularly valuable. At Swanwick, your writing career can be changed in a moment by a chat with a stranger over coffee…
What do I need to do?
Download the application form and guidelines below. You’ll need to demonstrate your commitment to writing and explain your reasons for believing that the TopWrite scheme is right for you. You’ll include a CV alongside your statement, and an example of your writing. Finally, you’ll need to convince a reliable acquaintance to vouch for you. Make sure you read the application guidelines for more details before writing your application. (Note: if you have applied in a previous year, please check the updated application information, as requirements have changed slightly.)
What next?
Upon receipt of your form, we will determine your eligibility and, if convinced of the value of the scheme to you, will offer you a place, as long as places remain available. In return, we’ll ask you to provide some feedback on the experience at the end of the course, in order to help us to improve how we run it in future
What's the deadline?
The final deadline is 30 June 2020 – but you should aim to apply sooner. We will begin offering places to successful applicants in Spring and it is not unusual for TopWrite to be fully booked by April/May. If we have more eligible applicants than places we will prioritise those who applied first, so act as early as you can.
Download your 2020 Application Form in either PDF or Microsoft Word format
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Download the TopWrite Guidelines in either PDF or Microsoft Word format
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Here's what recent TopWriters had to say about their experience:
TopWrite 2019:
‘SO satisfied with my experience! TopWrite is the best thing I've signed up for – possibly ever – as I had a week of writing, learning and meeting people with the same interests. What more can you ask for?!’ – Ruby
‘I very much recommend it. Attending Topwrite has made the dream of publication feel like a very real and tangible possibility. It not only gave practical tips for my writing, but also provided invaluable guidance on living as a writer.’ – TopWriter, 2019
‘I can see why people come back every year.’ – Alexandra
‘I very much recommend it. Attending Topwrite has made the dream of publication feel like a very real and tangible possibility. It not only gave practical tips for my writing, but also provided invaluable guidance on living as a writer.’ – TopWriter, 2019
‘I can see why people come back every year.’ – Alexandra
TopWrite 2018:
‘TopWrite provided all I expected and so much more. It was most definitely worth the asking price as you get so much for your money! Swanwick really does seem to have a magic all of its own. Friends are made in a matter of seconds here, while the beautiful surroundings constantly inspire. I have learnt far more than I thought possible in only a week.’ – Bryony Adshead
‘I thought it might be similar to the lectures and workshops that I do at university. This was not the case - the wealth of speakers and classes was brilliant. It exceeded my expectations. Brilliant speakers at Swanwick are like nice bottles of white wine, plentiful but greatly appreciated.’ – Katie Handley
‘There is such a gorgeous community spirit you couldn't help but feel welcomed and valued as a writer. It has provided me with a group of writing friends I would never have found otherwise.’ – Grace Owens
‘What I gained from TopWrite was above and beyond my expectations. I arrived at the Hayes expecting a week of talks and the odd writing exercise, and yes, I got that. But I also got something out of the week that can’t be taught; inspiration. Being surrounded by so many people who all share the same passion as you, the same desire for their work to be published, it’s hard not to be inspired.’ – Lucy Gardner
‘In terms of support we were given during TopWrite, I felt this was perfect. I definitely feel that TopWrite was worth my time and the price.’ – Pierre Perera
‘Swanwick has absolutely contributed to my life as a writer. I actually feel like I can call myself a serious writer now.’ – Sarah Hunter
‘I was happy to meet such a huge variety of people who just accepted that I was a writer, published or not. I enjoyed learning about the craft so much that I have enrolled in a Creative Writing MA.’ – Sofia Ashdown
‘My visit to Swanwick has given me a great addition to my life as a writer. It has given me a community.’ – Timothy Mackworth Praed
‘I thought it might be similar to the lectures and workshops that I do at university. This was not the case - the wealth of speakers and classes was brilliant. It exceeded my expectations. Brilliant speakers at Swanwick are like nice bottles of white wine, plentiful but greatly appreciated.’ – Katie Handley
‘There is such a gorgeous community spirit you couldn't help but feel welcomed and valued as a writer. It has provided me with a group of writing friends I would never have found otherwise.’ – Grace Owens
‘What I gained from TopWrite was above and beyond my expectations. I arrived at the Hayes expecting a week of talks and the odd writing exercise, and yes, I got that. But I also got something out of the week that can’t be taught; inspiration. Being surrounded by so many people who all share the same passion as you, the same desire for their work to be published, it’s hard not to be inspired.’ – Lucy Gardner
‘In terms of support we were given during TopWrite, I felt this was perfect. I definitely feel that TopWrite was worth my time and the price.’ – Pierre Perera
‘Swanwick has absolutely contributed to my life as a writer. I actually feel like I can call myself a serious writer now.’ – Sarah Hunter
‘I was happy to meet such a huge variety of people who just accepted that I was a writer, published or not. I enjoyed learning about the craft so much that I have enrolled in a Creative Writing MA.’ – Sofia Ashdown
‘My visit to Swanwick has given me a great addition to my life as a writer. It has given me a community.’ – Timothy Mackworth Praed
Topwrite 2017:
‘I feel like I’ve found a second home. I felt like I was catching up with old friends that I’d never met before. One of the things I loved is that it doesn’t matter if you’re writing your first novel or your fiftieth, there’s no hierarchy. We’re all there because we have a shared love of writing. It’s a terrific place.’
‘Being surrounded by so many writers in general and people who, though they might not know me, believed in my ability to become a writer, gave me more confidence to pursue it as a career (and tell people that’s what I’m doing).’
‘The whole community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I loved that everyone was approachable.’
‘I made more progress with my novel in that one week than I have in a whole year of my MA. It was amazing and something I don't think you can really put a price on. It's the best thing I have done in my writing career so far. So often trying to become a writer feels like it is reserved solely for those no don't need to hold down a regular paying job and Swanwick gave me one week of my life where all I had to do was write - that is completely invaluable.’
‘I felt so emboldened to ask for things that I might not have felt comfortable doing without the status of TopWrite to back me up. I did not have a single negative moment.’
‘I had become a bit disheartened about getting anywhere with my writing in the future but I am now hopeful for my potential future success in writing once more. I didn't know anyone else as interested in writing as I am before I attended Swanwick and I now have an abundance of writer friends with whom I can discuss current and future ideas, receiving and providing encouragement at will.’
‘The week completely exceeded my expectations in a number of ways. I left feeling more confident in my writing, with practical advice and ideas to take away, feeling hugely motivated and enthusiastic and with a whole bunch of new friends and contacts. The location was fantastic too. I really felt like I’d “got away from it all”.’
‘TopWrite offers a great sense of community for writers as well as practical advice, invaluable contacts and a glimpse at what a future career in writing might look like. It looks good!’
‘Being surrounded by so many writers in general and people who, though they might not know me, believed in my ability to become a writer, gave me more confidence to pursue it as a career (and tell people that’s what I’m doing).’
‘The whole community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I loved that everyone was approachable.’
‘I made more progress with my novel in that one week than I have in a whole year of my MA. It was amazing and something I don't think you can really put a price on. It's the best thing I have done in my writing career so far. So often trying to become a writer feels like it is reserved solely for those no don't need to hold down a regular paying job and Swanwick gave me one week of my life where all I had to do was write - that is completely invaluable.’
‘I felt so emboldened to ask for things that I might not have felt comfortable doing without the status of TopWrite to back me up. I did not have a single negative moment.’
‘I had become a bit disheartened about getting anywhere with my writing in the future but I am now hopeful for my potential future success in writing once more. I didn't know anyone else as interested in writing as I am before I attended Swanwick and I now have an abundance of writer friends with whom I can discuss current and future ideas, receiving and providing encouragement at will.’
‘The week completely exceeded my expectations in a number of ways. I left feeling more confident in my writing, with practical advice and ideas to take away, feeling hugely motivated and enthusiastic and with a whole bunch of new friends and contacts. The location was fantastic too. I really felt like I’d “got away from it all”.’
‘TopWrite offers a great sense of community for writers as well as practical advice, invaluable contacts and a glimpse at what a future career in writing might look like. It looks good!’
TopWrite 2019
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TopWrite 2018
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TopWrite 2017
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Topwrite 2016
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TopWrite 2015
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TopWrite 2014
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TopWrite 2005 - where it all started!
If you would like to make a donation or join the Friends of Swanwick for projects such as TopWrite, you can find out how to do this on the Support us page.
