Opportunities for writers and illustrators of colour
If you’re a writer or illustrator looking for resources and support to spotlight your work, look no further…
For writers and illustrators
Children’s Books North Network
What is it?
Authors and illustrators in the North of England or Scotland can join the CBNN network to connect with other creatives in their area. It is completely free to join.
What’s on offer?
CBNN connects and supports published children’s writers, illustrators and publishing professionals living in the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Scotland. They have over 400 members and promote their members’ work, new books and events. Additionally, CBNN highlights the importance of regional diversity in children’s books and the wider industry. CBNN partners with festivals, universities, bookshops and libraries to support and celebrate creatives in the North.
Speaking Volumes: Breaking New Ground Brochure
What is it?
Over 100 authors and illustrators of colour creating books for children and teenagers.
Where can I find it?
Story Mix
What is it?
A children’s fiction development company with a focus on inclusive representation in the stories we craft.
What’s on offer?
Emerging or established writers or illustrators from BAME backgrounds work with Story Mix to create a superior quality, high-concept book series for publishers.
Visit the website or email [email protected] for more information
The Catchpole Agency
What is it?
A family-run literary agency based in Oxford that specialises in children’s books – they’re now opening submissions from Black authors and illustrators.
What’s on offer?
Submissions are currently closed at The Catchpole Agency however they are particularly interested in hearing from a diverse range of authors and illustrators when submissions next open.
Visit the website for submissions information
Lantana Publishing: open call for submissions
What is it?
An award-winning children’s book publisher and social enterprise with a mission to publish inclusive books by authors and illustrators from under-represented groups and from around the world.
What’s on offer?
Looking to publish well-written stories that open our hearts and minds to the lived experiences of minority groups.
Visit the website for submissions information
Word Up North
What is it?
An arts charity based in West Yorkshire that promotes and develops creative writing and reading in the North of England.
What’s on offer?
Creative opportunities for writers ranging from courses to workshops, mentoring to residencies, networks to commissions. Their programme is continually evolving to ensure writers at all stages of their career are able to UPskill, take their writing to the next stage, and grow personally and professionally.
West End Writes (Newcastle)
What is it?
A multilingual creative writing group for people aged 16+ who speak English as another language.
What’s on offer?
The group supports multilingual writers to create great art, decentre the English language, champion marginalised voices and build safer creative spaces for migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. They welcome English speakers of all levels to express themselves in their mother tongue and explore the creative possibilities of connecting different native languages and English.
West End Writes Creative Drop-in (Newcastle)
What is it?
Do you have a story to tell? Would you like to do something creative? Maybe you have a creative idea you’d like to make happen, or you’re already doing things and are looking for your next step? If you are based in the West End of Newcastle, come along to the West End Writes creative drop-in.
What’s on offer?
Try your hand at a creative writing or storytelling activity with the group. No experience or commitment necessary.
Creative Men’s Group (Newcastle)
What is it?
A creative writing group in partnership with Search Newcastle.
What’s on offer?
Older men who engage with support from Search are encouraged to explore a variety of writing techniques and forms. The group meets fortnightly to explore new ways to tell their stories
For writers only
Mentoring for picture book writers from Chitra Soundar
What is it?
Author and storyteller Chitra Soundar has published over 20 picture books, and is now offering mentoring for picture book writers.
What’s on offer?
Chitra has worked with many writers to help them edit and polish their picture book texts. As part of critique groups and as a mentor one to one, she has given feedback to a number of writers who are dipping their toes into picture books. However at this time, Chitra is unable to take on new clients due to her own writing commitments.
How do I get involved?
If you’d like to discuss a future arrangement or need advice on who else is offering mentoring, get in touch.
Hashtag Blak
What is it?
A new publisher looking for Black British writers of middle grade fiction (8–12 years), YA and Adult Fiction.
What’s on offer?
An open submission policy, so you do not need to be agented to apply.
Visit the website for more information
Penguin’s How to Get Published
What is it?
A writer’s guide to the world of publishing – a new online resource available now
Megaphone
What is it?
Megaphone is a writer development scheme, giving support to BAME (Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnic) writers as they write their first novel for children or teenagers.
How do I apply?
Contact Leila and visit the website for further details.
REWRITE
What is it?
The Leading Platform for Black Women & Women of Colour Writers Around the World.
What’s on offer?
Creative writing courses, editorial services, book reviews, masterclasses, online literary magazines and more.
Visit the website for more information
Regional literature development agencies
The Future Bookshelf
What is it?
As part of Hachette, one of the UK’s biggest publishers, they aim to demystify publishing and guide you through the process of writing, editing, submitting and publishing, so you know what to expect and how to succeed.
What’s on offer?
Advice from authors and publishing opportunities.
Visit the website
Inscribe
What is it?
A writer development programme and imprint of Peepal Tree Press, supporting Black British writers of African and Asian descent in England.
What’s on offer?
Coaching, mentoring, workshops, residentials, training, newsletters, publications and general advice.
Visit the website or email [email protected] for more information.
Black Bee Books
What is it?
New Welsh publisher Black Bee Books is looking for under-represented voices in Wales.
What’s on offer?
The possibility of having your children’s book published by a new publisher who aims to work with authors that reflect the wide range of communities in Wales, and publish titles that resonate with a diverse readership.
How do I get involved?
If you write YA (fiction and non-fiction) and think your work fits the bill you can email your work in a PDF format to [email protected].
Visit the website for more information.
WriteNow
What is it?
A mentoring scheme for children’s book authors run by Penguin Random House UK.
What’s on offer?
All applicants will be invited to a free online workshop on demystifying the children’s publishing industry. Fifty shortlisted writers will then go on to receive one-on-one, tailored feedback on their manuscript from Ladybird and Puffin editors. A final five writers will then be invited to take part in the year-long WriteNow editorial programme when they will be paired with an editor to develop their manuscript further, with the ultimate goal of securing a literary agent and being published by Puffin or Ladybird.
Visit the website for more information.
Writing Children’s Picture Books by Julia Donaldson
What is it?
An online writing course presented by multi-awarding winning children’s book writer Julia Donaldson. It’s a one-off purchase with lifetime access.
What’s on offer?
Step by step, Julia will supply you with industry tips and guidance on how to write books that appeal to the ears and mind of the child listener, the adult who’ll read the story aloud – and the people who make them. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out writing, have a few books under your belt or are a curious onlooker, this course celebrates the magic of picture books, the connections they form and demystifies the production process.
Visit the website for more information.
For illustrators only
Association of Illustrators
What is it?
The professional body for illustration in the UK.
What’s on offer?
Contract and business information, online resources, social media promotion and much more.
Visit the website for more information.
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