REWRITE ACADEMY

REWRITE ACADEMY 2025/26

REWRITE ACADEMY is a developmental programme designed to support Black Women and Women of Colour writers who are keen to finish their works-in-progress. The programme involves a mixture of tuition, critiquing, and networking with publishers and agents.

Are you a Black woman or Woman of Colour ready to finish your novel, memoir, or short story collection? Would you thrive in a developmental program designed to elevate and support your writing journey? Apply for a place in REWRITE ACADEMY 2025/26!

With limited spaces available, this exclusive programme is your chance to take your work to the next level. REWRITE ACADEMY offers a blend of hands-on tuition, practical exercises, and group critiques, with a strong emphasis on craft, community, and development. This is your opportunity to grow as a writer within a nurturing and supportive environment.

ANNOUNCEMENT: THIS WILL BE THE LAST ACADEMY COHORT! AFTER 2026 – THERE WILL BE NO MORE ACADEMY PROGRAMME!!!

Who Should Apply:

REWRITE ACADEMY is designed for Black women and women of colour who are passionate about completing their works-in-progress. Whether you’re working on a novel, memoir, or short story collection, this programme provides the collaborative, encouraging environment you need to develop your project. You don’t need extensive writing experience, but you should have a well-developed idea that you’re actively working on, even if it’s just a summary or outline. We welcome a wide range of genres, abilities, and ages.

For Writers Outside the UK:

The Academy is open to international writers; however, please note that our guest authors, literary agents, and publishers will provide guidance from a UK perspective.

Programme Structure:

– Workshops: 1-2 per month, lasting 2 hours each

– Critiquing: You’ll be expected to critique fellow writers’ work once a month, dedicating time to read and provide feedback

– Classes: Held via Zoom

– Workshops take place on weekday evenings (UK time), so please consider your time zone when applying

Programme Timeline:

– July 2025 – Sept 2025: Applications Open

– September 2025: One-on-one meeting with Christina to discuss your individual development plan

– October 2025: First group meeting via Zoom

– October 2025 – February 2026 Monthly/bimonthly meetings featuring critiques, editors, publishers, and writers

Programme Highlights

One-to-one Development Planning Session with Christina to clarify your goals and set your writing focus
One Full Manuscript Assessment – offered either at the beginning or end of the programme, depending on your needs
Monthly Group Workshops on craft, structure, editing, and narrative development
Manuscript Critique Circles for regular peer and mentor feedback
Guest Masterclasses featuring three literary agents with the option to submit
Accountability Check-ins to keep you focused and on track
Final One-to-One Session with Christina to create a personalised plan for your next steps after the Academy
Access to a supportive, intimate community of writers on the same journey

Fees:

– Application fee £5 for REWRITE Members

– Application fee £25 for Non-members

– Academy fee £2,500 for REWRITE Members

– Academy fee £3,000 for Non-members

*Fees can be paid in full or in installments.

APPLY FOR THE 2025/26 COHORT HERE

Meet Your Tutor

Christina Fonthes is an award-winning Congolese-British writer and the author of Where You Go, I Will Go—a powerful debut novel set between Kinshasa, London, and Paris. The book explores the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships, and queer African lives.

Christina is the founder of REWRITE, an organisation dedicated to supporting and championing Black women and women of colour writers.

In 2021, Christina was awarded the Royal Society of Literature Sky Arts Writers Award for Fiction and was mentored by acclaimed authors Bernardine Evaristo and Irenosen Okojie.

Guests & Tutors

Guest tutors will be confirmed once the group is formed, ensuring we bring in the right voices to support your development. Past guests have included:

Bernardine Evaristo

Agent Samar Hammam (Rocking Chair Books)

Hannah Todd from Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency

Zoe Ross from United Agents

Sian Ellis-Martin from Blake Friedman Agency

Jasmine Richards + more!

FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced writer?

We aim for progress, not perfection. While you don’t need a lot of writing experience, it’s important to be prepared to share your work with others in your cohort.

Will this programme help me get published?

There are no guarantees in the publishing world. This programme is designed to help you improve your craft and gain insights into navigating the industry, but ultimately, your success depends on your dedication, the demands of the industry, and a little bit of luck!

Can I apply if I don’t live in the UK?

Yes! However, all speakers and guests will offer a UK perspective, and your writing must be in English.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes, we offer an instalment plan, though you’ll need to pay a £500 deposit at the start.

What’s the difference between the Academy and mentoring?

The Academy is a group programme with guest speakers, work-sharing, and feedback on excerpts. Mentoring is a one-on-one experience focused on helping you develop your completed manuscript.

Can I apply if I’ve been I’ve been on the Academy / mentoring before?

Absolutely!

What genres do you support?

Adult fiction, YA fiction, memoirs, and short story collections, non-fiction

What genres do you not support?

Childrens and picture books, poetry collections, academic texts

What happens if I am selected / not selected?

We will let you know via email if your application has been successful or not. Rejections are hard, but they are part of the writing process, we take into account not only your writing but also the make up of the whole cohort.