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WriteNow

Published Tue 5 Jun 2018 - By Literature Wales
WriteNow

A story can start anywhere.

WriteNow aims to find, mentor and publish new writers from communities under-represented on the nation’s bookshelves.

WriteNow was launched in 2016 because Penguin know that books don’t reflect everyone in our society. There are still too many stories which are not being told, and too many voices which are overlooked.

It’s especially important for young children to see themselves, their families, cultures and communities reflected in the books they read, which is why this year theyre’re opening applications to budding illustrators of children’s picture books for the first time.

What’s on offer?

WriteNow gives you the tools, information and access you need to get published.

In 2018, 150 writers and illustrators are invited to one of three workshops in London (Saturday 8 September),Liverpool (Saturday 15 September) and Nottingham (Saturday 29 September).

During the workshop you’ll hear from authors, illustrators, literary agents and Penguin Random House experts on how to navigate the publishing process and get your work noticed. This includes learning techniques for editing your writing, developing your artwork, or getting tips on how to approach a literary agent. You will also get the unique opportunity to receive one-to-one personal feedback from an editor or designer on your manuscript or illustrations.

After getting to know you and your work, they’ll ask 10 exceptional new voices to join our year-long mentoring programme.  While there are no guarantees, so far five writers on the mentoring programme have already signed publishing deals – with many more to come.

Who are WriteNow looking for?

WriteNow are looking for voices currently under-represented in books and publishing. This includes writers and illustrators from BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) or LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer) communities, writers and illustrators with a disability, or who come from a socio-economically marginalised background.

 

To Apply

writers and illustrators need to visit www.write-now.live. The deadline for applications is Monday 9 July.

Literature Wales