The Spectrum London Writer’s Group was started in 2015 by Grant, Vee, and Rachel, taking the reins from the now defunct Cola Writers group and continuing a tradition of genre fiction critique groups in the city.

The current roster of group organisers includes Kat, Ana, and Jane, with support from James and Malcolm.

Our Team

Our aim is to create an environment where authors of speculative fiction can share their expertise and encouragement in a friendly and professional forum, with the view to foster the next generation of UK and international writing talent. We take writing seriously, and engage with the SF/F publishing community both within the UK and abroad by attending events and conventions, networking with other writers’ groups and organisations, and inviting editors, agents and authors as speakers to our career development events.

Some of our members and alumni have gone on to publish short stories in magazines and anthologies, receive scholarships and mentorships with esteemed writing organisations, win contests and awards, find agent representation and traditional publishing success, form business partnerships, write bestsellers, and even get featured in the yearly Best British Science Fiction anthologies — all because of being involved in Spectrum and allowing their craft to improve through constructive feedback, hard work, and meaningful connections.

Find out more about what we do:

• Our Critique Meetings: in-depth feedback using the Milford Method;
• The Novel Track: genre-based mini-groups for longform project accountability and feedback;
• Our Annual Short Story Contest: 5,000 words, one theme, endless possibilities, and cool prizes for the winners;
• Speaker Events: hear from industry professionals, learn new skills, and improve your writing craft.

Still curious?