Arvon X Rough Trade Books

Arvon has announced a new collaboration with Rough Trade Books — the independent publishing house launched from the minds behind Rough Trade Records. The partnership will see three immersive Residential Writing Courses take place at Arvon’s historic writing houses in 2027, each dedicated to a different form: poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

The courses will be tutored by Rough Trade Books’ publishing team Will Burns and Nina Hervé, alongside memoirist Anna Whitwham, novelist Jen Calleja and poet Ella Frears – all published by Rough Trade Books. 

“I have long admired Rough Trade Books for their eclectic list, their approach to seeking out and nourishing talent, and their independent and playful spirit, so I’m thrilled that next year they will be finding a home with Arvon.” Mary Morris, Artistic Director, Arvon

The partnership offers participants a rare opportunity to engage with the full creative and editorial culture of one of the UK’s most distinctive independent publishers, while generating new work and exploring the benefits of cultural cross-pollination.

“Ever since my first visit, I’ve been a huge advocate for Arvon and their courses — incredible spaces, imaginative teaching structures and tutor pairings and a heady overflow of honest good vibes. I’m absolutely delighted that we’re partnering up with them on these Rough Trade Books weeks — I think they’ll be a shot in the arm for any writer’s process and a proper immersion into the whole culture of all things Rough Trade Books.” Will Burns, Editor, Rough Trade Books

“I’m hugely excited to be working with Arvon on these three courses. I’ve always felt that there’s so much more to be discovered about writing and the publishing process by experiencing the whole world of it, holistically — from first draft to last edit to cover design and launch party — and hopefully these weeks will give a flavour of that as we do it here at Rough Trade Books. It’s a bold and quite different kind of retreat and that’s exactly why Arvon are the perfect partners for it. I can’t wait!” Nina Hervé, Publisher, Rough Trade Books

The Courses 

Non-Fiction: Embracing the Counter-Culture  

Totleigh Barton, Devon | 18–23 January 2027 

Tutors: Anna Whitwham and Will Burns, with guest publisher Nina Hervé 

Novelist and memoirist Anna Whitwham and poet, editor and author Will Burns lead a week focused on generating new non-fiction work, locating and developing original subject matter, editorial and redrafting techniques, and exploring how music, sport, art and film can enrich your writing. Publisher Nina Hervé joins for an evening of insight into the Rough Trade Books imprint. 

Poetry: Embracing the Counter-Culture  

Lumb Bank, Yorkshire | 27 September–2 October 2027 

Tutors: Ella Frears and Will Burns, with guest publisher Nina Hervé 

Immerse yourself in the world of Rough Trade Books in a week dedicated to counter-cultural literary practice. Tutors Ella Frears and Will Burns will lead workshops to help writers find ways into new work, encourage risk and push for the best possible lines, alongside sessions on editorial and redrafting techniques and how a broad cultural sensibility can influence your poems. Publisher Nina Hervé will join as guest speaker for an evening exploring the world of Rough Trade Books. 

Fiction: Embracing the Counter-Culture  

Totleigh Barton, Devon | 29 November–4 December 2027 

Tutors: Jen Calleja and Will Burns, with guest publisher Nina Hervé 

Led by writer Jen Calleja and editor and author Will Burns, this week will help you find ways into new work and explore a broad range of fictional techniques — from building characters and locations through to honing tone of voice — alongside editorial and redrafting practice and the ways in which music, art and culture can enrich your fiction. Publisher Nina Hervé joins as guest speaker, and the week closes with a reading from participants’ own work. 

All three courses include daily workshops, 1:1 tutor feedback sessions, evening events and the time and space to write in an historic Arvon house in the British countryside. Concessions and grants are available.