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
- Ian Rankin in conversation with Stuart MacBrideJoin us in Dundee on Saturday 23 November
- 50 Word FictionWrite a story about a conversation
- Writing workshops during Book Week ScotlandTake your writing to the next level with one of our workshops
- Robert Louis Stevenson FellowshipApply for our annual award offering professional writers a month-long writing retreat
- Comhaltachd Robert Louis StevensonApply for our annual award offering professional writers a month-long writing retreat
- Our writing awards and fellowshipsWe run programmes to support authors at all stages of their careers – is there one to suit your needs?
- New Writers Awards ShowcaseHear some of Scotland’s most exciting new writers perform their work live
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 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 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 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
- Comhaltachd Robert Louis StevensonApply for our annual award offering professional writers a month-long writing retreat
- Industry Labs: Practical workshops for writersWorkshops 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 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.
- Resources for writersWhether you're looking for guidance on getting started or hunting for professional opportunities or retreats, we've got something for you.