Scraps Open Call 2026: Transformations
First Edition is back for 2026 with the third instalment of their anthology, Scraps.
What is Scraps?
Scraps is an anthology of new writing by young people with a connection to the north. Through our annual publication, we seek to put young Northern voices front and centre, reflecting our individuality and exploring the things that shape us. Now in its third year, Scraps is produced by members of New Writing North’s First Edition group, who set the theme, select successful submissions, get the work publication ready and work alongside a designer to produce a printed anthology.
You can read the latest issue of Scraps here.
What we’re looking for
This time, we’re seeking submissions on the theme, ‘transformations.’ We don’t want to be too prescriptive, so we encourage you to interpret this theme in a way that means something to you. We welcome submissions from writers and creatives working across art forms to tell a story or put an idea across. You might be a poet, a prose writer, an artist working with words, writing fiction or non-fiction – as long as it fits the theme in some way, we’d love to read your work.
Successful applicants will have their work published in a printed anthology and will be invited to a launch event in Newcastle in early 2027.
Successful applicants will receive two copies of the final anthology.
Who are First Edition?
First Edition is New Writing North’s writing group for 18-25 year olds, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne and facilitated by a professional writer. We meet weekly during university term time to write, share ideas and give peer feedback. We also have regular masterclasses from guest writers. We offer a place to connect, develop skills across different forms of writing and gain industry insight. We welcome all experience levels, from newbies to hobbyist writers, or those starting out in a career.
How can I submit?
– Applicants must be aged 18-30 at the time of submission
– Your work must fit on to no more than an A5 4-page spread (1500 words of prose, 80 lines of poetry)
– Your work must be a stand-alone piece
– Your work must be your own
– You must be originally from OR currently living in the north of England. You can view a map of the Arts Council’s area boundaries here.
To submit, please fill in this short application form and upload your work.
Deadline: Monday 31st August 2026, 5pm
Successful applicants notified: November
If you have any questions regarding submissions, please email [email protected].