Support for authors and illustrators of colour

Are you an author or illustrator looking for support or to expand your knowledge and reach in publishing? Join our growing community and discover the amazing development and networking opportunities available for established and emerging authors and illustrators.

Authors and illustrators of colour at a BookTrust Represents development day

BookTrust Represents works to:

  • Support established and debut authors and illustrators to promote their work and to reach more readers through events in bookshops, libraries and schools.
  • Offer workshops, shadowing opportunities and training events for aspiring authors and illustrators.
  • Build an online community to support established and emerging authors and illustrators.

Get involved

Join our online community

Connect with like-minded creators and join our private Facebook Group where creators from across the country share knowledge, experience, work and opportunities.

Sign up to our mailing list

Whether you’re at the beginning of your writer/illustrator journey, recently published a book, or you’re about to, we're here to support your next steps. Sign up to our mailing list and be the first to hear about up-coming workshops and opportunities.

Video Library

If you're a children's writer or illustrator of colour, check out our Development Week video library featuring workshops, talks and Q&As with amazing guest speakers and top tips about getting published.

Resources and opportunities

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...

Open Book: Tips and advice

Our Open Book series of videos and features offers some great tips and advice from established authors and illustrators, as well as other industry professionals.

Research into representation of people of colour among children’s book authors and illustrators

We know from years of experience that representational voices in children’s books are important for all children from all backgrounds. That’s why we have initiated this far-reaching research project with University College London.

BookTrust Represents FAQs

BookTrust Represents is a project created to promote and improve the representation of people of colour in children’s books so that all children read a range of books that reflect them and their wider communities.