Sources of writing talent 

This list illustrates the range of organisations that support writers with a variety of interests and experiences. If you would like to recommend any additional links, please contact us.

• Skillset - supports industry-recognised training courses for screenwriters, and has accredited eight  MA/BA screenwriting courses in higher education institutions.
• The Script Factory - selects writers from a diverse range of backgrounds and supports them in developing their work and talent. Their performed readings showcase new writing and they can often recommend writers for specific projects.
• Arts Councils fund many creative writing organisations and projects, and support new writing in literature and theatre.
• Arts Council England
• The Scottish Arts Council
• Arts Council of Northern Ireland
• Arts Council of Wales

• In addition to the mainstream, there are a number of specialist theatre groups that perform the work of, and support, writers from minority groups. For example, see:

  • Talawa Theatre Company (black theatre)
  • Tamasha (Asian theatre)
  • Graeae Theatre Company - a disabled-led theatre company that profiles the skills of actors, writers and directors with physical and sensory impairments.
• Film festivals - See our list of specialist film festivals, which showcase the work of screenwriters.
• British Council - Literary Festivals - Some literary festivals focus on regional or minority writing, such as gay and lesbian or Jewish writing. The British Council website contains a searchable online database of UK literary festivals.
• http://www.contemporarywriters.com/ - this British Council website gives details of British and Commonwealth authors, including their biographies, lists of their works and awards.
• http://www.encompassculture.com/ - a British Council-run worldwide book club. The website has sections for multi-cultural and women's writing among other genres and gives links to other websites - look for 'creative writing websites'.
• Babash.com - gives a directory of publishers that specialise in particular genres, such as gay and lesbian or black writing.
• Exiled Writers Ink - provides a platform for writers living in exile in the UK and mainland Europe.