I believe that financial barriers should not prevent a powerful story from being told. I am committed to supporting writers who may currently find professional consultation fees out of reach, particularly those writers who are facing financial hardship.
Beyond my professional practice, my passion lies in community-based work and the long-term development of writers. I believe in the power of mentoring to bridge the gap between having a story to tell and having the craft skills to tell it well. This commitment to fostering new voices is exactly why I launched the Writer Equity Programme. I want to ensure that high-level technical guidance remains accessible to those who need it most.
The Writer Equity Programme is specifically designed for those working within prose, including short stories, novellas, and novels.
As part of my commitment to the Writer Equity Programme, I reserve one dedicated slot per quarter for each of the three services listed below:
- One free Short Q&A Online Consultation lasting 30 minutes.
- One free Early Chapters Consultation.
- One free Mini Manuscript Consultation.
Here is more detail about each of the Writing Equity Programme services
Before Submitting
Before we get started, here are a few details to help you prepare your submission for the Writer Equity Programme:
- Age Requirement: The Writer Equity Programme is open to writers aged 18 and over at the time of application.
- One Slot Per Person: To ensure I can support as many writers as possible, applicants may only apply for one of the three available slots per quarter.
- Confidentiality: All intellectual property remains with the author. My feedback is provided as professional guidance to support your development. Your application to the Writer Equity Programme will not be discussed with anyone outside of the programme without your permission.
- Your Availability: Due to high demand, once a session is scheduled, it cannot be rescheduled. If a deadline or call is missed, the slot will be forfeited for that quarter.
- Short Q&A Online Consultation: To ensure you get the most value from our time together, please have a specific list of questions or topics prepared for our call.
- Early Chapters Consultation: For this service, you may submit up to 3,000 words. This allows for a focused, high-impact review of your opening hook and narrative foundation. This word-length does differ from the paid-for Early Chapters Consultation service (launching soon).
- Mini Manuscript Consultation: This condensed review covers up to 1,500 words, providing a targeted technical audit of your prose and pacing. This word length-does differ from the paid-for Mini Manuscript Consultation from the Manuscript Boost Menu (launching soon).
2026 Application Dates
The programme officially launches in April 2026. Applications must be received by the final day of the month preceding the new quarter. So:
| For the Quarter… | Submit Your Application By… |
|---|---|
| Q2: April – June | 31st March |
| Q3: July – September | 30th June |
| Q4: October – December | 30th September |
Successful applicants will be notified within the first week of the new quarter to arrange their consultation dates.
How to Apply
There is no complex means-tested application to engage with the Writer Equity Programme. If you feel this slot is for you, please fill out the form below.
You will receive a response outlining next steps and availability.
Expanding the Reach
Are you a professional editor, mentor, or consultant who shares the ideals behind Writer Equity Programme? I am looking to grow the programme by partnering with other industry professionals willing to commit a minimum one subsidised or complimentary slot per quarter.
If you are interested in joining this initiative and helping more writers overcome financial barriers, please get in touch here for a brief conversation. Together, we can ensure more powerful stories reach the page.
Sean Watkin 