Spread the Word is partnering with RCW, Dialogue Books and Megaphone for a publishing workshop and feedback opportunity for aspiring authors of colour of adult commercial fiction or children’s and YA fiction.
RCW Literary Agency today announce the return of a free publishing workshop for aspiring authors of colour, now in association with Spread the Word, Dialogue Books and Megaphone.
First launched in 2020 with a focus on children’s and YA fiction, this year the workshop, providing transparency and clarity into the publishing process from beginning to end, is also open to authors writing adult commercial fiction. Previous attendees include British Book Award shortlisted debut author Tọlá Okogwu.
Joanne Harris, Charlotte Vassell and Tanya Byrne are among the speakers confirmed to attend, and they will be joined by editors and agents from across commercial adult fiction and young adult fiction publishing for a panel covering a range of topics: including the submissions process, the role of agents and editors, and building an author profile.
A single, 90-minute session will take place at 1pm on July 5 2023. After the workshop, the authors will receive one-to-one feedback sessions with an editor or agent to discuss their manuscripts.
Following the workshop in July, Megaphone will be offering participants ongoing support, advice and critiques from other writers and industry professionals. Spread the Word will be running a bespoke session for the participants covering their next steps to develop their craft and career as writers.
How to apply
Open from Thursday 20 April until Monday 29 May, 6pm.
Applicants should send a sample of between 1,000-5,000 words of their adult commercial fiction or young adult fiction along with a synopsis and a brief statement about their eligibility as an author of colour.
A summary of the workshop and a series of resources will be made available online after the event.
Entries can be submitted here. Applicants must be UK based.
Published Thursday 20 April 2023