Free UV Entry and SCWBI Membership for Under-represented Writers in Children’s Fiction 

This year we are offering some free places in the Undiscovered Voices competition along with free membership of SCWBI for writers who are under-represented in children’s fiction.

Here’s how it works…

Writers living in the UK who identify as being from a background currently under-represented in publishing and who are unable to afford a SCBWI membership may request a free place at the Undiscovered Voices masterclass series – scheduled on Zoom at 7.30 pm on 5th 12th and 19th June (worth £40) - and the opportunity to submit to the Undiscovered Voices 2026 competition which will open for entries on July 3rd 2025.

As only SCBWI members can submit work for consideration in Undiscovered Voices this will include one year’s free membership to SCWBI (worth $99)

Eligibility for Free Places – Terms & Conditions

To apply for one of the free places you must meet the following criteria:

  1. You should identify as being from a background currently under-represented in publishing.

  2. You should be able to demonstrate a serious commitment to writing for children (i.e. have taken part in critique groups or have taken advantage of free courses and resources that are available).

  3. Without the free place, you would not be able to afford to attend.

To apply for a free place, please email uv@britishscbwi.org with Free Places in the subject header. In a few sentences, please explain how you identify as being under-represented, and tell us something of your commitment to writing for children.

The deadline for submitting applications for free places is midnight on Wednesday 28th May 2025. Qualifying applications will be selected at random, and everyone will be informed of the results on Friday 30th May.