Apply for Live Literature Funding – Spring 2026

Applications are now open for fully funded Live Literature events taking place around World Book Day in Spring 2026.

Thanks to the support of Taylor Wimpey, we can offer fully funded Live Literature sessions to schools based in:

• East Ayrshire
• East Lothian
• East Renfrewshire
• Edinburgh
• Fife
• Glasgow
• Midlothian
• North Ayrshire
• North Lanarkshire
• Renfrewshire
• South Lanarkshire
• West Lothian

Why apply?

Live Literature makes author events affordable:

• The author is paid £200 plus expenses per session 
• We cover the author's fee, and all of their expenses, within set guidelines(this link will open in a new window)
• Events can take place in person or remotely(this link will open in a new window), allowing you to be flexible when planning

Alongside financial support, the team at Scottish Book Trust can be on hand with help and advice for planning and promoting your session.

You will hear our decision no later than Friday 12 December.

Key dates

Our panel will meet to discuss applications on Monday 2 December. All applications should be received no later than midday on the deadline:

• Applications open: Wednesday 19 November
• Application deadline: Friday 28 November
• Panel meeting: Tuesday 2 December
• Decisions confirmed: Week beginning Monday 8 December

Who can apply?

Schools in the following local authorities can apply for support to host one author event:

• East Ayrshire
• East Lothian
• East Renfrewshire
• Edinburgh
• Fife
• Glasgow
• Midlothian
• North Ayrshire
• North Lanarkshire
• Renfrewshire
• South Lanarkshire
• West Lothian

You can apply for funding if:

• You are based in any of the above local authorities
• You are applying on behalf of a school
• You intend to work with an author listed on the Live Literature Author Directory(this link will open in a new window). Live Literature fees can only be paid to authors on the directory
• Your session is planned around World Book Day on 5 March 2026

We welcome applications from ASN settings and schools supporting vulnerable children.

How to apply

• Complete our short form on SurveyMonkey(this link will open in a new window)
• We'll ask you what you intend to do, why you’ve chosen this type of event, and what you hope it will achieve. You can download a Word document with a copy of the form questions at the bottom of this page.
• Your application will be reviewed by a panel
• We’ll send you the result of your application no later than Friday 12 December

The purpose of Live Literature is to inspire communities to read and write for pleasure. This is the reason Live Literature funding exists, so please make sure you address it directly in your application.

The panel carefully reads and considers all applications. Where appropriate, the panel gives feedback along with the award decision.

What is the panel looking for in your application?

Imagination: We like to support interesting, imaginative sessions which show a commitment to the promotion and enjoyment of reading and writing.

Indication of need: In order to ensure that funding has the greatest impact, we want to know why it’s needed and who your events will engage. For instance, is there a financial need for this kind of support? Are you targeting audiences who aren’t ordinarily reached by your work? Is your event aimed at a specific need in your area?

Clear outcomes: We want to support sessions that have a clear and demonstrable benefit. We want to know how many people will benefit from the events and how. We also like to know how the session fits in with any other activity you're planning and whether it will have a legacy.

Your history of funding: We will consider any previous Live Literature funding when making decisions. We welcome applications from schools who may not have worked with an author recently and might benefit from this opportunity. Likewise, we welcome applications from organisations that have previously been supported by Live Literature funding, and the panel will take into account how you have used Live Literature funding in the past when making their decision.

What happens next? 

Your application will be reviewed by a panel, which meets in December. We’ll send you the result of your application no later than Friday 12 December.

Your session should take place in the second half term of Spring (i.e. after February half term and before Easter break).

The panel carefully read and consider all applications but due to the volume of applications received, will not be able to offer detailed individual feedback.

Get in touch

For all enquiries, or if you need to make an application in a different way due to access reasons, please email [email protected](this link will open in a new window).