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A detailed breakdown of the information required for New Writers Awards applications by category
Our annual award for emerging writers has three separate categories, all inviting applications in English and Scots: Fiction and Narrative Non-Fiction, Poetry and Children's and Young Adult Fiction. You may only apply for one category.
Please read this page and the eligibility criteria carefully before writing and submitting your application.
All applications will require the following information.
For all applications, a sample of your writing will be required – this is the most important part of your application and it will be judged anonymously by the panel during the first stage of reading. This sample will be slightly different depending which category you apply for.
Fiction is imaginary or invented prose, which can include short stories and novels.
Narrative non-fiction is a form of writing that is stylistically similar to fiction but used to tell factual stories e.g. memoir, travel writing and biography. This does not include text books, guide books, standard non-fiction history books or collections of humour/jokes.
We’re working in partnership with the Scottish Poetry Library(this will open in a new window) on the New Writers Awards for Poetry in English and Scots.
Children's and Young Adult fiction is defined as prose or short stories for which the primary audience is under the age of 18. We are interested in a wide range of writing for younger readers.
Our panel will consider scripts without images for picture books (although we understand if these can’t be separated). If you have any queries about this please contact applications@scottishbooktrust.com(this will open in a new window)
By supporting our work, you are helping children and adults in Scotland to reach their potential through reading and writing.
Donate now