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Lindsay Literary Agency scholarship for 'under-represented' author returns
The Lindsay Literary Agency is sponsoring a place at the Winchester Writers’ Festival for a children’s author from an “under-represented” background for the second year running.
Launched last year, any author without an agent from the UK or Ireland can apply if they are LGBTQ+, from a BME background, disabled or from a ethnic, cultural or religious minority. Applicants can be unpublished but must be writing children’s fiction (YA or middle grade).
The fully-funded place covers the cost of three days at the festival, access to all workshops and talks, four one-to-one appointments with industry experts, meals, accommodation and up to £100 in travel expenses.
Agency founder Becky Bagnell said: “There are still far too few children’s books published by diverse authors and so we’re delighted to be sponsoring another scholarship place at the 2019 Winchester Writers’ Festival.”
The deadline for entries is 4th March and applicants need to send 4,000 words from the opening of their published or unpublished novel. Judges will pick a winner, who will be announced on 29th April.
Last year’s winner was YA author Anika Hussain, who said: “If it weren't for the Lindsay Literary scholarship, I would not have been able to attend the Winchester Writer's Festival and got the once in a lifetime opportunity to engage with not only agents but also aspiring authors. Being awarded the scholarship not only landed me my agent but it also increased my confidence in myself as a writer - and for that I am forever grateful.”
This year’s festival takes place from 14th to 16th June and includes a keynote speech by children’s author Katherine Rundell. The festival was founded in 1980 by Barbara Large and is designed to provide inspiration, support and "unparalleled networking opportunities" for writers. Appointments are available with over 70 literary agents, commissioning editors, authors, poets and publishing experts.
Entries for the scholarship should be emailed to scholarship@lindsayliteraryagency.co.uk. To find out more visit the agency’s website.
