The Times Literary Supplement, in partnership with Candid Club, is looking for aspiring writers. Submit your 450 word books review (details below) for a chance to be invited to dinner in Oxford or Cambridge hosted by Candid Club. The winner, announced at the event, will receive a week-long internship at the TLS offices, a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s most respected literary publications.

How to take part:

  • Write a 450-word TLS In Brief-style review. Pick any book published since January 1, 2024.

  • Send your review (Word or PDF) to competitionentries@the-tls.co.uk with the subject line: UNIVERSITY – YOUR NAME.

  • If you’d like to see examples of published In Briefs please visit the TLS website.

  • Competition will open on January 8.

  • Competition closes on February 10, late submissions will not be read and only successful entrants will be contacted.

Terms & Conditions

  1. General

    • The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

    • The TLS reserves the right to withhold an award if entries do not meet the required standard.

    • By entering, participants agree to abide by these Terms & Conditions.

  2. Original Work

    • Entries must be the student’s own original work. Plagiarized, AI-generated, or previously published reviews will be disqualified.

  3. Travel & Expenses

    • Winners will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs associated with the internship, unless otherwise specified.

  4. Internship

    • The one-week internship will take place at the TLS offices in London.

    • The internship is unpaid, but offers an opportunity for hands-on experience in an editorial environment. All travel and accommodation costs associated with the internship will be covered by the Times Literary Supplement.

    • Participants in the internship agree to maintain confidentiality with respect to any unpublished material or internal processes encountered.