How to register for the Live Literature Database

Live Literature Funding (LLF) is a Scottish Book Trust scheme that supports organisations across Scotland to host events, workshops, projects and residencies with Scottish writers, storytellers and illustrators.

The authors who carry out these events are paid a set fee of £150 per session (around one hour on length) plus all associated travel and subsistence expenses.

Scottish Book Trust maintains a database of Scottish authors who are available and appropriately skilled to carry out Live Literature events.  Please read the criteria below before submitting an application to join the scheme.

1. Criteria for inclusion as a writer

1.1 You must live and work in Scotland. If you live in Scotland for part of the year, please outline your availability in your application and you will be accepted at the discretion of Scottish Book Trust and Creative Scotland.

1.2 You must be a

  • practising, published creative writer of fiction, poetry, literary narrative non-fiction

The definition of literary non-fiction includes biography, literary criticism, travel writing (not guidebooks), memoir, autobiography and historical non-fiction.

  • performance poet
  • storyteller
  • Playwright


1.3 Writers should have at least one published book that should be:

  • published, marketed and sold to a reputable standard

E.g. made widely available in Scottish bookshops.

Books, which are solely available by mail order and/or via the internet, are not eligible.

Likewise, books that are printed on demand will not be accepted onto the database.

Please be aware that we may ask to see a copy of your contract.

1.4 Writers should have had their work published within the last ten years and should have at least one work in print.

1.5 Playwrights should have had at least one professional production of their work performed within the last ten years.

1.6 Performance poets who can demonstrate a regular record of professional performance over a period of at least two years can apply. We will require a reference from either a performance poetry programmer or a festival director.

1.7 Traditional or contemporary storytellers must be registered with the Scottish Storytelling Centre and included in its Directory.

1.8 Writers of self-published, web-published and vanity press titles are not eligible.

1.9 Writers who have six separate publications in a range of established literary magazines, journals or anthologies are eligible.

     These periodicals must be:

  • published regularly (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly)
  • produced to a professional standard
  • in circulation for at least 12 months
  • have an ISBN or ISSN number
  • distributed in Scotland 
  • not self-published

Online publishing is not included.

1.10 We may request to see your published work for review.

1.12 Graphic Novelists and Illustrators can apply. We will need detailed information on how your proposed sessions will demonstrate the use of illustration as a narrative tool.

1.13 You will be required to provide professional references and supporting information about your experience in carrying out events and projects.

1.14 Applicants may be expected to complete appropriate disclosure/PVG checks with relevant local authorities before undertaking work with young people or vulnerable adults. Go to this page on the Disclosure Scotland website for more information.

2. New applications

2.1 We accept applications at any time and will consider these on an ongoing basis.

2.2 New applicants may be invited for interview. The interview panel will consist of an author who is currently eligible to carry out Scottish Book Trust funded live literature events, and staff from Scottish Book Trust and Creative Scotland.

 

If you wish to apply to the Live Literature Database - please contact Clare Rodgers for an application form:

 clare.rodgers@scottishbooktrust.com