WriteFest 2026: Online writing resources

Teams from across the University have created a wealth of online writing resources, and this year WriteFest is bringing them together in one place. Whatever stage of your career you’re at, from PGR to professor, below you’ll find resources to explore at your own pace, during November and beyond.

Please note that some resources may require a University of Liverpool login.

Developing your writing practice

Resource

Description

Format

Developing Effective Writing Habits

A guide to building sustainable, productive writing habits.

Guide (Word)

The Mechanics of Academic Writing

Explore the building blocks of clear, effective academic writing.

Guide (Word)

Nature Masterclasses

Online courses on scientific writing and publishing, available through the University Library.

Online courses

Writing Resources for Researchers Wakelet

A curated collection of writing resources for researchers at all career stages.

Online collection

The power of writing for just one hour

Discover how much you can achieve with short, focused bursts of writing.

Recording

Turbo Charge Your Writing

Workshop recording with practical techniques to boost your writing productivity.

Recording

Combatting Writer’s Block

Identify what’s holding your writing back and find strategies to get the words flowing again.

Recording

Making time for writing

Researcher Blog post on carving out time for writing in a busy schedule.

Blog post

Get writing! The value of #AcWriMo

Researcher Blog post on how Academic Writing Month can help you get writing done.

Blog post

Finding Focus: Reflections on Running a Writing Retreat

Researcher Blog post reflecting on the value of protected writing time.

Blog post

 Writing your thesis

Resource

Description

Format

Writing your Thesis Online Module

A self-directed module covering the practicalities of planning, structuring, and writing your thesis. An accessible version (Word) is available on the Enhancing your Writing page.

Online module

Enhancing your Writing

The PGR Resource Hub’s collection of writing resources, covering thesis writing, writing practice, and publication.

Webpage

English Language Centre: Thesis Writing Support

Specialist thesis writing support from the University’s English Language Centre.

Webpage

Writing for publication

Resource

Description

Format

Publishing in High Impact Journals – A Guide for PGRs

Guidance on targeting and publishing in high-impact journals.

Guide (Word)

Abstract Peer Review Checklist

A checklist to help you draft and review abstracts.

Checklist (Word)

12 Common Writing Mistakes from Peer Reviewers when Writing Journal Articles

Learn from the writing issues reviewers flag most often.

Guide (Word)

20 Reasons Why Research Articles are Rejected by Peer Reviewers and Editors

Common reasons for rejection, and how to avoid them.

Guide (Word)

Publishing your PhD as a Book

The steps involved in turning your thesis into a monograph.

Guide (Word)

How to Write an Academic Book Review

Guidance on writing a book review for an academic journal.

Guide (Word)

Develop your publication strategy to strengthen your outputs and career

Workshop slides on creating a publication strategy, navigating REF, writing 3*/4* publications, and open research.

Slides (PDF)

Maximising the impact of your research outputs with Springer Nature

Springer Nature’s press team share strategies to increase the visibility and reach of your papers.

Recording

Research Funding and Outputs Hub: Outputs

Online resources, events, and institutional support for creating and sharing research outputs.

Webpage

(staff)

Writing for funding and fellowships

Resource

Description

Format

Fellowship Quest: Navigating the journey from pre-application to success

RSA Lunch & Learn recording introducing how to apply for a fellowship, what to consider, and what support is available.

Recording

Integrating impact into your funding proposals

How to embed meaningful impact in grant applications and meet funder expectations.

Recording

Improving Grant Funding Success with Industry

RSA Lunch & Learn slides on strengthening grant applications by partnering with industry.

Slides (PDF)

Writing a Data Management Plan with DMPonline

Key points for writing a data management plan using DMPonline’s funder templates.

Slides (PDF)

An Introduction to Research Funding

An overview of the research funding landscape.

Recording

Research Support Office

Help with finding funding, preparing applications, and managing awards.

Webpage (staff)

Writing for your career

Resource

Description

Format

Tips for getting started with Narrative CVs

Practical tips for writing your first narrative CV.

Recording

The background to Narrative CVs

Why narrative CVs were introduced and what funders are looking for.

Recording

Narrative CVs: an evolving story

Panel discussion on how narrative CVs are developing.

Recording

Write yourself into an interview: Effective cover letters and applications

How to write cover letters and applications that get you shortlisted.

Recording

Writing for impact, policy, and public audiences

Resource

Description

Format

Writing for public audiences: communicating your research clearly

Develop your writing skills and translate your research for public audiences.

Recording

Mastering the art of writing for non-academic audiences

Techniques for writing about your research for readers beyond academia.

Recording

Writing for The Conversation

How to turn research findings into accessible articles for a broad readership.

Recording

Blogging Your Research

How blogging can raise your profile, stimulate discussion, and build networks.

Recording

Better Blogging: The Ins and Outs of Personal Essay Writing

Masterclass on writing engaging personal essays and blog posts.

Recording

The ins and outs of research blogging

Making an Impact podcast episode on research blogging.

Podcast

Policy briefings: How to create a briefing to engage with a policy audience

How to write targeted policy briefings with the potential to generate genuine impact.

Recording

Creating Impactful Research Stories

Turn evidence into compelling narratives for funders, partners, and the public.

Recording

Preparing for impact in REF 2029

Making an Impact workshop on creating and evidencing impact, including writing an impact case study.

Recording

Exploring and Sharing Research Through Poetry

A creative workshop on using poetry to explore and share your research.

Recording

Further support

Resource

Description

Format

PGR Development Programme

Workshops, masterclasses, webinars, and more for PGRs, including writing sessions throughout the year.

Webpage

PGR Writing Retreats

Full-day retreats giving PGRs dedicated time and support to write.

Webpage

Library Advantage

The Library’s training and guidance for researchers, including referencing, open access, and research data.

Webpage

Prosper’s Communication Playlist

Prosper resources on communication skills, including writing.

Online collection

Making an Impact Resource Hub

Guidance, training and recordings on research impact, engagement, and communication.

Webpage

Fellows Resource Hub

Resources curated for research fellows, including publication strategy and funding.

Webpage

Researcher Development Roadmap: Communication and Dissemination

A wide range of recordings and resources on publishing, funding proposals, and public engagement.

Webpage

For details of live WriteFest sessions and ‘Shut Up and Write’ retreats, see the WriteFest 2026 programme.

Know of a writing resource we’ve missed? Let us know at researcher@liverpool.ac.uk