TopWrite is Swanwick's access scheme for writers aged 18-30
The applications for TopWrite 2022 are now closed
The applications for TopWrite 2022 are now closed
What is TopWrite?
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 very heavily discounted places at the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School for aspiring young writers.
The cost for 2022 is only £125 (inclusive of all meals, break-time refreshments, lectures, courses, workshops, groups and entertainment).
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 cost for 2022 is only £125 (inclusive of all meals, break-time refreshments, lectures, courses, workshops, groups and entertainment).
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 and explain your reasons for believing that the TopWrite scheme is right for you. You'll also need to convince a reliable acquaintance to vouch for you: see the application guidelines for more details.
What next?
When we receive your form, we will determine your eligibility and, if convinced of the value of the scheme to you, we will offer you a place, as long as places remain. 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 the future.
What's the deadline?
30 June 2022. Places are allocated on a first come, first served, basis, so apply as early as you can.
TopWrite Feedback
‘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 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 2021
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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!
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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.
