TLC is delighted to announce a new opportunity for Deaf writers working on fiction or non-fiction projects. Throughout Deaf Awareness Month 2026, which takes place in September, TLC will invite submissions from Deaf writers working on fiction or non-fiction. One writer will be selected and awarded a free opening extract manuscript assessment through TLC, to support the development of their writing. The initiative has been made possible thanks to a generous donation from TLC Editor Aliya Gulamani.
Aliya says: “As a Deaf editor, I’m very passionate about the publishing industry making space for more Deaf talent, and am delighted to be working with TLC to find these voices and offer them feedback to help them achieve their publishing goals.”
TLC Head of Writing Services Joe Sedgwick says: “We were thrilled when Aliya got in touch with us to offer free editorial support for a Deaf writer. We’ve worked with Aliya as a TLC Editor for many years, and we know how committed she is to supporting writers and their editorial progress. Her generous offer means a Deaf writer will benefit from high level, industry-informed advice.”
You can read more about Aliya’s support Deaf writers here.
About Aliya Gulamani
Aliya Gulamani is an award-winning editor who has published fiction and non-fiction to popular acclaim, with her titles selected for the Polari First Book Prize, The Diverse Book Awards, and the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards. At Unbound, she commissioned The Sunday Times bestseller, Queer as Folklore by Sacha Coward, and founded Unbound Firsts, a new imprint for debut writers. Since June 2025, she has been working in different editorial roles for various publishers, including Vintage, Wilton Square Books and Zeytin Press.
How to Apply for the TLC Deaf Writer Free Read
Please send the following documents to between 9am Tuesday 1st September 2026 and 12pm (midday) Wednesday 30th September 2026:
- 2,000 word sample
- One-page synopsis (if you have one)
- A short covering letter outlining why you would benefit from editing at this stage of your writing life.
Please note: this opportunity is open exclusively to Deaf writers. A WHO definition of this can be found here, for the avoidance of doubt. We particularly encourage applications from writers on low income.
Terms and Conditions
- Applications must be made within the submissions period specified: applications made outside of these dates will not be considered.
- Applicants must be aged 18 or over at the time of applying. There is no upper age limit.
- The work submitted cannot have been previously published or self-published.
- The work must be written in the English language and original to the author. Work translated by the author from their original language is accepted.
- There is no geographic limitation on this opportunity.
- Co-written works are not accepted.
- Applicants must not be under contract with a publisher or literary agent.
- Applicants may be previously published with other work, or never before published.
- The winner agrees to submit the manuscript extract (up to 15,000 words in length) by 31st October 2026 and agrees to adhere to the Manuscript Assessment terms and conditions.
- There is no cash alternative.
- The decision of TLC on the winner is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
- The Literary Consultancy Ltd. reserves the right not to grant the TLC Deaf Writer Free Read should a suitable candidate not be found, and reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice. Should no suitable candidate be found, the sponsorship money would be returned or transferred to ensure its fair use in line with the original purpose of the donation.
