Hello, my name is...
Emily Holtom
Birmingham-based typewriter poet, creative producer, and project manager
Emily is best known for her work as a typewriter poet, performing live pop-up poetry on demand for strangers in unexpected places. In the wider arts scene, she provides support to individuals, producers, and organisations across the West Midlands, helping events run smoothly, memorably, and always with that creative sparkle.
Emily Holtom
Typewriter Poet and Creative Producer
Photography: @sgillcreatives
About
Local poet, delivering arts and culture across Birmingham, Solihull, and the West Midlands
Emily is a West Midlands-based poet, producer, and creative freelancer, with a soft spot for small moments and a tendency to turn them into poetry.
She is a regular feature at festivals and events across the region and beyond, most often found behind a vintage typewriter writing custom poetry on demand for strangers. Her work leans whimsical but stays grounded in real life, drawing out the funny, tender, and quietly meaningful details people don’t always think to say.
Named Knowle Poet in Residence for 2025, she has appeared at the Southbank Centre, Stratford Literary Festival and Women Writers Festival, and has become something of a go-to poet for Solihull Council, writing for civic occasions with a personal touch.
Alongside her poetry, Emily works as a freelance creative producer, supporting artists, organisations, and projects across the Midlands. Since going freelance in 2024, she has built a growing portfolio working with organisations including Culture Central, Nottingham City Council, Solihull MBC and The Core Theatre, as well as creating and producing her own projects.
Emily is the part-time Programme Manager for Children and Young People at Writing West Midlands, the region’s writer development agency.
Past and Present Collaborators
Testimonials
"Emily Holtom is an effective and highly professional project manager, able to deliver complex projects in a range of settings and with many different types of participants and partners."
Jonathan Davidson, Chief Executive, Writing West Midlands
"Since autumn 2024, I have had the privilege of working with Emily on two strategically significant consultancy projects. Emily consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, strategic acumen, and exceptional skill in the written form; distilling and presenting consultation findings to an outstanding standard."
Amy Dalton-Hardy, Independent Arts Consultant
"Emily was a fantastic addition to our event! She went above & beyond, taking time to connect with participants, craft beautiful poems & create a magical atmosphere! Thoroughly recommend."
Charis McRoberts and Ruth Mestal, Co-Directors of Calathea Arts
Creative Practice
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Knowle Poet in Residence (2025), Emily puts readers at the heart of her poetry, whether it’s pop-up poems on demand, live performances, or hands-on workshops. Poetry has a way of showing up in the most unexpected places, and Emily is usually the one at the helm.
Get in touch to explore the possibilities, or view her upcoming events.
2
Producing and Project Management
APM Project Management qualified, Emily takes care of the nuts and bolts, from event logistics to programming, making sure literary and arts projects run smoothly from the first spark of an idea to the final applause.
As a freelance creative facilitator, Emily aims to inspire others to get creative in ways they never thought of. Whether it's part of a wider project, or a one-off session with a community group, people are always at the heart of her workshops.
4
Copywriting
With a strong knowledge of market trends and a creative flair, Emily uses a mix of creative vision and clear strategy to craft copy that really speaks - capturing the right voice and bringing ideas to life. Brands, businesses, and creative projects alike, her words blend storytelling with precision to engage audiences and make an impact.
Get in Touch
Let’s chat! Even the tiniest spark of inspiration can snowball into something unforgettable. Big plans, small ideas, or just a curious ‘what if?’ – I’m here for all of it, and I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Drop me a line and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.