Poets and authors at the start of their careers have the chance to spend a paid year overseas with the launch of this year’s Harper-Wood Creative Writing and Travel Award for English Poetry and Literature.
Applications open on Wednesday 18 February 2026 for the annual award, which was established by St John’s College in 1949 to inspire an undertaking of creative writing by making it possible for the holder to engage in relevant, project-related travel and study.
St John’s Writer-in-Residence Vona Groarke, Ireland Professor of Poetry, said: “For decades, The Harper-Wood Award has been a significant stepping stone in the careers of fledgling writers, many of whom have gone on to feature among the most notable of our time.
“Providing crucial – and very generous – support at the launching point of a literary career, it offers the kind of validation so hard to come by at that stage.
“Without it, many writers who subsequently published prize-winning and celebrated books might not have seen a way forward, and might so easily have given up. It provides a vital link between imaging a life of writing and becoming a writer.”
Held for one year, the Harper-Wood Award is intended primarily for creative writers in the initial stages of their careers.
Applications are encouraged from those whose work has not yet achieved book-length publication, such as a novel, book of short stories, poetry collection or play.
At the time of election, candidates must be a graduate of any university in the UK, Ireland, the Commonwealth or the USA.
The current award-holder is Lincolnshire poet Nell Prince, who took over from Hal Coase in October 2025.
Other past Harper-Wood Award-holders include Thom Gunn, Michael Hofmann, Giles Foden, Amit Chaudhuri, Joanna Kavenna, Gaby Wood, Sarah Howe, Isabella Hammad, Erin Soros, Leo Mellor and Anthony Vahni Capildeo.
All or part of the year of tenure should be spent in a country outside the United Kingdom. The award-holder is expected to engage in a course of study or research, not necessarily attached to a university or other institution, leading to the production of original fiction, poetry or drama.
The tenureship is expected to begin on 1 October 2026. The recipient will be invited to visit the College at the end of their award year, to give one or more talks about their experience.
Funding will be determined by the College Council considering the successful candidate’s qualifications and financial circumstances, up to a maximum of £20,700. This is intended to cover accommodation and other living expenses. Additional financial assistance is available for travel costs.
The competition opens on Wednesday 18 February 2026 and closes on Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 4pm.
