Shape Arts with TLC | Free Reads

Deadline: 11.59pm on Wednesday 26 August 2026

The logo for the TLC Free Read opportunity

Shape Arts have partnered up with The Literary Consultancy to offer disabled writers on a low income the chance to have their work professionally read and receive feedback.

Who is eligible to apply?

In order to be considered for this opportunity you will need to be:

  • A writer who is actively engaged in your practice

  • Self-identify as disabled * (see the resource on the social model of disability)

  • On a low income (please note you will be asked to provide proof of receipt of benefits, tax credits, pay slip or short written explanation of your circumstances)

  • A resident of England

  • Over the age of 16 (please note that proof will be required) 

  • You cannot be part of a creative writing programme or longer writing course at the time of submission

  • You cannot reapply if you received a free read last year

  • The piece to be critiqued must be your own single authored original work, and not written as part of a collaboration

  • All Free Reads are subject to TLC’s Manuscript Assessment Terms and Conditions. Please make sure you have read and understood these.

For further information and to apply, please visit the website

Info: This is a non-BBC scheme

Please note that these schemes are listed here for your convenience. However, they are run by external organisations and unless otherwise noted the BBC has no involvement with them.

Therefore the BBC cannot respond to any queries in connection to those and accepts no liability for the accuracy of third party websites and the information contained on them.

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