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.

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50 Word Fiction
Write a story about a conversation
Writing workshops during Book Week Scotland
Take your writing to the next level with one of our workshops
Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship
Apply for our annual award offering professional writers a month-long writing retreat
Our writing awards and fellowships
We run programmes to support authors at all stages of their careers – is there one to suit your needs?

Author visits

Discover how Scottish Book Trust can help you host an author event, get on our author directory or find an author.

View our author visit info

View our authors
Our directory holds information on hundreds of writers, playwrights, poets, storytellers and illustrators
Live Literature
Live Literature helps fund and support author events in communities all over the country
Live Literature School Residencies
Work with professional writers, storytellers and creators from our Live Literature directory
Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour
Bringing authors and illustrators to libraries, town halls and schools
Authors Live
A series of world class children’s author and illustrator events brought directly to your classroom, library or home for free

Our writing awards and fellowships

Looking for ways to take your writing career to the next step? Find out more about our annual awards and fellowships.

View our awards and fellowships

New Writers Awards
An annual award supporting emerging writers to develop their craft
Callan Gordon Award
This award has been set up to celebrate the life of Callan Gordon, a young Scottish writer
The Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship
An annual award offering professional writers a month-long writing retreat
What's Your Story?
Supporting Scotland’s young writers and illustrators
Ignite Fellowship
An annual award supporting the talents and ambitions of professional writers
Next Chapter Award
An annual award supporting an emerging writer over the age of 40
Industry Labs: Practical workshops for writers
Workshops to hone skills and gain new insights into the business of writing

Resources for writers

From writing your first story to finding a local writers group or getting advice on submitting to a publisher, we've got you covered.

View all resources for writers

Opportunities for writers
Competitions and calls for submissions for Scottish writers
Writing a synopsis
This gives a quick overview of a longer body of work - here's a few helpful tips to get started
Cover letters
Your cover letter may be your first impression so it's important to get it right
The writer's CV
As a writer applying for jobs or opportunities, you may be asked for a writer’s CV
Author biography
An author bio provides a quick and concise overview of you and your writing
Submitting to a literary agent
Getting ready to submit to an agent is an exciting – and nerve-wracking – time
Literary Agents in Scotland
Check out our list of Scottish agents
Getting published: fiction
Advice to help you get your novel out into the world
Self-publishing
Find out more about the risks and rewards of self-publishing your work
Getting published: narrative non-fiction
How to build your profile as a non-fiction writer
Writing groups in Scotland
Find a community of writers near you
Getting published: children's and young adult fiction
How to get your manuscript out in the world
Getting published: poetry
Ways to get your poetry in print
Writing retreats in Scotland
A writer’s retreat is the perfect opportunity to spend some concentrated time on your writing.
Resources for writers
Whether you're looking for guidance on getting started or hunting for professional opportunities or retreats, we've got something for you.

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Author visits

Our writing awards and fellowships

Resources for writers

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