The Sid Chaplin Award 2025
Ends on
The Sid Chaplin Award is for writers of fiction and narrative non-fiction who identify as originating from a working-class background.
The winning writer will receive a bursary of £2000; a manuscript appraisal from The Literary Consultancy; advisory sessions from the writer Michael Chaplin; and access to the Northern Writers’ Awards Network.
The award is made in memory of the writer Sid Chaplin (1916–1986) whose novels such as The Day of the Sardine and The Watchers and the Watched are celebrated for their stylistic mastery and their vivid depictions of working-class life in North East England.
We are very grateful to the Chaplin family, the North Agency and Newcastle University for their support of this award.
Read the Eligibility Guidelines here.
To enter writers should submit a sample of 3000–6000 words and a synopsis and answer the application questions.
To apply for this award you should be:
- Living in the North of England at the time of entering and planning to remain here for at least another 12 months.
- Over the age of 18.
- Identify as originating from a working-class background.
- Working a memoir, novel, young-adult novel, short-story collection or work of literary essays.
- An unpublished, emerging or established writer.
For more information, please read the Eligibility and Terms and Conditions carefully.
For any enquiries, please read the FAQs. If you still need an answer, contact us at awards@newwritingnorth.com