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Bloomsbury’s Adult Consumer division has announced its first Publishing Mentorship Programme, a one-year scheme of coaching for underrepresented fiction writers.
The programme aims to "break down the barriers that exist between underrepresented writers and entry into the industry, in order to help these new voices establish long-lasting careers as authors". Writers from all backgrounds underrepresented in publishing are encouraged to apply, including people of colour, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, those living with a disability, or in the LGBTQ+ community.
The mentorship scheme is open to short stories, excerpts from novels and works in progress in any fiction genre. It is free and there are no age restrictions.
Literary agent Angelique Tran Van Sang from Felicity Bryan Associates will help judge submissions. She said: "I’m excited to work with Bloomsbury in judging entries for the mentorship programme. The focus on practical tools to help build and sustain a long-term writing career is what makes it stand out for me and I can’t wait to see what we get submitted and to start reading."
Author Derek Owusu added: "For the publishing industry to truly reach and raise up new voices it needs to look beyond the usual channels. I am pleased that this scheme will do just that – reaching out to grassroots organisations outside the book world – and would encourage everyone who is interested to submit, even and especially if they don’t think of themselves as an ’author’. For me this is about finding fresh perspectives and discovering the talented writers of the future."
Both have chosen to participate in the programme bringing a wide range of industry perspectives, from publishing and literary agent experience to an author perspective.
Lauren Whybrow, chair of the mentorship programme committee and senior managing editor at Bloomsbury Consumer, explained the thinking behind the scheme, saying: "As an industry, we haven’t seen enough change in terms of increasing the number of published authors from underrepresented backgrounds, and particularly seeing diverse authors get the support they need to establish long-lasting careers in the industry.
"This is even more topical at the moment, as there are lots of conversations happening about the mental toll on new authors, and the need to offer more support and information at the start of careers. At Bloomsbury, we want to help drive change, open doors and continue to hold that door open through transparency, support and community. This programme is our response to this conversation, joining the excellent initiatives by other publishing houses."
An open submission window will launch on 21st August and close on 29th September 2023. Following this period, staff from across Bloomsbury will read and assess manuscripts ready for the panel of judges.
Longlisted writers will receive written editorial feedback as well as an invitations to an in-depth workshop day aimed at demystifying publishing and delivering practical advice and next steps on navigating the industry. In addition, six shortlisted writers will receive an invitation to a networking event with industry professionals, as well as a place on a four-week online Curtis Brown Creative writing course with practical advice.
One selected writer will receive a year-long mentorship from Bloomsbury giving a "behind-the-scenes look" at all aspects of publishing across every area of the company. The selected author will be announced in February 2024.
Paul Baggaley, editor in chief for the Adult Consumer division, commented: "This programme is being entirely led by members of staff, which illustrates the depth and desire of feeling in our company to support and encourage new author talent into the industry. I am proud of their drive and passion and we are all here to take part and support the scheme.
"Another outstanding element is that the team are working with people across Bloomsbury, uniting trade and academic on the programme, so a true all-company project – and we plan for this year-long mentorship to become part of Bloomsbury’s DNA (and the DNA of the industry) for years to come."