2008 Applications Guidelines

Scottish Book Trust New Writers Awards 2008


(in association with the Scottish Arts Council)

The New Writers Awards (formerly the Scottish Arts Council New Writers Bursaries) will provide eight new writers or playwrights with financial support to enable them to concentrate on their work, as well as providing professional guidance to move towards publication or a professional production.

 

Funding package

Recipients will receive a cash award of £2,000 plus a bespoke professional development package which it is envisaged will include nine months working with a mentor, plus networking opportunities with publishers/agents.

 

Deadline for applications

5pm on Tuesday 6th May 2008 - closed

 

Eligibility

Applications are open to new writers and playwrights, with little or no previous publication or production track record, who have a strong commitment to developing a career in writing. Applicants must be based in Scotland, by this we mean that you must have your principal home in Scotland, as opposed to having a residence in Scotland which is used on an occasional basis, however regularly, or for whatever purpose.

The following exclusions apply: 

  • playwrights seeking funds to develop a play that is already the subject of a Scottish Arts Council funding
  • writers who wish to focus solely on screen or radio plays
  • students in full-time formal education (i.e. 16 hours or more per week)

Please note:

  • Applicants who have received a New Writers Bursary/Award cannot apply again until two years have elapsed from the time of the award.
  • If applicants are unsuccessful on two consecutive occasions, they should normally wait for at least another year before re-applying.
  • Writers wishing to apply for an SAC funded Writing Fellowship may not do so until one year has elapsed since receiving a New Writers Bursary/Award.

 

Application process

Please send

  • A letter of application outlining why you should be considered for a New Writers Award and how it will benefit your writing career
  • A CV outlining your writing experience to date i.e. courses, professional development opportunities, publications or productions, works completed and in progress.
  • A sample of your writing which should be no more than 30 pages or up to 10 poems, plus a short synopsis (no more than an A4 page).
  • A statement from a referee, who should have specialist knowledge of your work (such as a writer, creative writing tutor, theatre director, critic, publisher, editor or literary agent). This may either be enclosed with your application or be sent directly to Caitrin Armstrong (Writer Development Co-ordinator at Scottish Book Trust) by the referee but must arrive by the application deadline date and be clearly marked with your name.

Please ensure you include your full contact details including postal address, email address and phone number(s).

  • All applications must be typed and double spaced. 
  • Please include your name and contact details on every page of your application.
  • Page numbers should be included on your sample of writing.
  • Submissions should not be stapled as they will be photocopied.

 

Assessment process

Applications will be assessed by a panel comprising representatives of Scottish Book Trust and the Scottish Arts Council, including a Scottish Arts Council Specialist Advisor. Applicants will be

informed of the panel's decision by the week commencing 23rd June 2008.

 

Contact Details

Please send your application to:

Caitrin Armstrong
Writer Development Co-ordinator
Scottish Book Trust
Sandeman House
Trunk's Close
55 High Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1SR

We will not return submitted material unless you ask us to.

 

If you have any questions contact:

Caitrin Armstrong, Writer Development Co-ordinator
0131 524 0177
caitrin.armstrong@scottishbooktrust.com

Scottish Book Trust is committed, in all its activities, to the promotion of equal opportunities and the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, political belief, social or economic class, marital or parental status, sex, sexual orientation, age, history of illness or disability. This policy applies to all grades and positions, all conditions of employment and to all events, projects and campaigns run by Scottish Book Trust.