BookTrust Represents FAQs

FAQs

• What work do you do?

  The BookTrust Represents project works to:

  • Support established and debut authors and illustrators of colour to promote their work and to reach more readers through events in bookshops, libraries and schools.
  • Support schools in providing diverse and inclusive books for students through school author visits and events.
  • Offer workshops, shadowing opportunities and events for aspiring authors and illustrators of colour.
  • Build an online community to support established and emerging authors and illustrators of colour.
  • Build on our research as a continued effort to reflect the level of BAME representation within children's books in the UK. A summary of our 2019 study can be seen here.

• What work don’t you do?

  BookTrust Represents does not offer a manuscript assessment or consultancy service. We do not provide grants or assist with project funding. We are not an agency or publisher and so cannot offer to publish work on behalf of creators.

• I have books to promote, can you let me know how BookTrust can support me to get the word out?

  We feature selected titles in our monthly newsletter and regularly share recommendations on our Facebook page. If your book is eligible to be entered in our programmes, we also review books and publish specially curated booklists featured on our main website. Write to us at [email protected] us to find out more.

• I’m a debut author, how can I get my book reviewed?

  BookTrust reviews a generous number of books each month to share on our Books we Love pages and composes the annual Great Books Guide which is sent to more than 17000 schools across England and Wales. Publicists are welcome to send books in to be considered for review on behalf of the author/illustrator.

• How can I get BookTrust to give me permission to put their logo on my book?

  Generally, BookTrust do not give permission for use of their logo as it is only to be included on titles which are selected as part of our Book gifting programmes. 

• I am self-published, could you use my books in your wider charity programmes, Bookbuzz or Bookstart?

  BookTrust only works with published authors and illustrators for our wider programmes but BookTrust Represents is a project that is open to self-published creators also. 

• Could BookTrust Represents offer some feedback on my manuscript/book?

  We are a children’s reading charity and not a writer’s development agency, so we don’t offer feedback on manuscripts. However, join the BookTrust Represents Facebook page and you can post your query to discuss recommendations, or check out the Rewrite program which offers a range of editorial services.

• I want to connect with other writers and illustrators of colour, where can I find them?

  BookTrust Represents is here to enable you to network with others. Join our mailing list to be notified of upcoming networking events and connect with other creators on our Facebook page.

• I'm looking for opportunities to share my work and get it seen by more people, how do I do this?

  Engaging with our resources, social media and attending our events will help you get on the right track to sharing your work more widely. 

• I'm looking for guidance in navigating the kids book industry, where do I start?

  For authors and illustrators of colour who are just starting out, our 2020 development day will provide a useful introduction into navigating the children’s book world. Registration dates to be announced.

  Check out our upcoming events

• I’m at a point with my first book where I need a little guidance. Could you point me to any contacts I can talk to?

  If you are in the process of publishing your first work, you are welcome to get in touch with others who are part of the BookTrust Represents network. We will be sharing weekly recommendations and tips from established authors and illustrators of colour.

• I tried to join the FaceBook group but I can’t gain access?

  Our Facebook page is private so please allow 2-3 days for your request to be accepted. If you need any further assistance, email us at [email protected].

• I’m not on Facebook- how else can I connect with the BookTrust Represents community?

  Our discussion forum and most of our updates are shared on our Facebook page, but you can also join our mailing list.

• I’m a debut author how do I get considered for your school visits, library and bookshop events?

  Publishers or publicists are welcome to get in touch with us on an author or illustrator’s behalf. To make an events query, please email [email protected].

• When is your next event/ workshop?

  Check out our upcoming events on our events calendar.

• I’m looking for funding for a project that works with children of colour/ creators of colour, would BTR be able to assist financially?

  BookTrust Represents do not offer grants or support to fund projects.