Literature

Our work in Literature celebrates the diversity of UK writing and connects writers, publishers, literature organisations and professionals in the UK and overseas.

British Poet Daljit Nagra stands on stage and animatedly reads from an open book
British Poet Daljit Nagra reads Ramayana Retold. Image by Marcos Avlonitis

Our work in Literature

We work with the UK literature and publishing sectors to create opportunities for international networking and collaboration. 

We introduce the sector to new international markets and audiences, and support them to develop experience in working across cultures to form new creative partnerships.

Our programmes reflect the excellence and diversity of the contemporary UK literature sector and improve access to world literatures in the UK. We work across the full spectrum of literature, covering creative writing, translation, publishing, festivals and performance, literature development, reader development and libraries.  

Our work is delivered through a range of partners and includes programming for international festivals, residencies, study tours, networking opportunities and grants for collaborative working.

Two poets of Asian decent stand infront of a yellow banner at the BBC Contains Strong Language festival to perform their poems to a live audience.

Language is a Queer Thing

Connecting LGBTQIA+ poets from India and the UK to explore what it means to be...

Festival goers, with one wearing a Readers Wanted t-shirt lean over a phone at the NBO Literature Festival 2024

Hay Festival

We partner with Hay Festivals to bring the work of UK authors and thinkers to a...

Vanessa Kisuule stands performing on stage infront of a microphone under red lights and smoke.

Beyond Literature Borders

Supporting UK-based arts organisations working with underrepresented voices to...

A London train against a city backdrop at evening time

Poems on the Underground

Introducing international poetry to a vast audience of commuters on the London...

A group of smiling delegates stand on a stage in a line, with red curtains hanging behind them.

International Publishing Fellowship

A year-long programme supporting the professional development of future...

International Literature Exchange chevron logo image - a chevron shape housing images of the tops of books.

International Literature Exchange

In partnership with National Centre for Writing, ILX brings literature...

Resources

Explore our latest resources, including research, toolkits and reports.

Many people in a marquee with two people at the front of the picture talking to each other, one holding books, next to books.

Publishing Futures

Read an overview of the trade publishing and literature...

A young woman with long dark hair stands with her back to the camera, taking a book out of wall-mounted bookshelves.

India literature and publishing sector study

This report looks at the challenges faced by the Indian...

Paperback books suspended on vertical red strings at different heights, creating a zig-zag pattern. To the right of the image, a woman stands with her back to the camera, adding or removing books from the string ‘bookcase’

Contemporary Writers Database Archive

Browse our archived Contemporary Writers Database for...