Writing and authors
Tell the next part of your story. Apply to our writing programmes for targeted support, discover the magic of an author visit or delve into inspirational writing tips, publishing advice and competitions.
Featured
- 50 Word FictionWrite a story featuring a cake
- Browse our Live Literature Author DirectoryOur directory holds information on hundreds of writers, playwrights, poets, storytellers and illustrators
- Apply now for the Next Chapter AwardAn annual award supporting an emerging writer over the age of 40
Author visits
Discover how Scottish Book Trust can help you host an event by bringing some of the best authors in the UK into your classroom. Browse our author directory and find out more about our programmes.
- View our authorsOur directory holds information on hundreds of writers, playwrights, poets, storytellers and illustrators
- Live LiteratureLive Literature helps fund and support author events in communities all over the country
- Live Literature School ResidenciesWork with professional writers, storytellers and creators from our Live Literature directory
- Scottish Friendly Children's Book TourBringing authors and illustrators to libraries, town halls and schools
- Authors LiveA series of world class children’s author and illustrator events brought directly to your classroom, library or home for free
Our writing programmes
Explore our programmes to support writers across Scotland at all stages of their careers.
- New Writers AwardsAn annual award supporting emerging writers to develop their craft
- Callan Gordon AwardThis award has been set up to celebrate the life of Callan Gordon, a young Scottish writer
- The Robert Louis Stevenson FellowshipAn annual award offering professional writers a month-long writing retreat
- What's Your Story?Supporting Scotland’s young writers and illustrators
- Ignite FellowshipAn annual award supporting the talents and ambitions of professional writers
- Next Chapter AwardAn annual award supporting an emerging writer over the age of 40
- Industry Labs: Practical workshops for writersWorkshops to hone skills and gain new insights into the nuts, bolts and business of writing
Advice for writers
From writing a synopsis to dealing with rejection, we've got the submission process covered.
- Opportunities for writersCompetitions and calls for submissions for Scottish writers
- Writing a synopsisThis gives a quick overview of a longer body of work - here's a few helpful tips to get started
- Cover lettersYour cover letter may be your first impression so it's important to get it right
- The writer's CVAs a writer applying for jobs or opportunities, you may be asked for a writer’s CV
- Author biographyAn author bio provides a quick and concise overview of you and your writing
- Submitting to a literary agentGetting ready to submit to an agent is an exciting – and nerve-wracking – time
- Literary Agents in ScotlandCheck out our list of Scottish agents
- Getting published: fictionAdvice to help you get your novel out into the world
- Self-publishingFind out more about the risks and rewards of self-publishing your work
- Getting published: narrative non-fictionHow to build your profile as a non-fiction writer
- Writing groups in ScotlandFind a community of writers near you
- Getting published: children's and young adult fictionHow to get your manuscript out in the world
- Getting published: poetryWays to get your poetry in print
- Writing retreats in ScotlandA writer’s retreat is the perfect opportunity to spend some concentrated time on your writing.