ASPIRING writers have only a few days to get applications in for the ACT Writers Centre’s new “HARDCOPY” professional development program.
Aimed squarely at emerging fiction writers who have a book-length manuscript in development, the program has been funded through the Australia Council’s and the centre’s communication officer, Mandy King, couldn’t be more excited, describing it as “fantastic” and enthusing, “we have already confirmed a number of leading industry professionals as speakers and selection panellists, such as Mary Cunnane, Denise Young, Andrew Croome, Rebecca James, Tony Eaton and Kevin O’Brien”.
The program, to take place over the course of 6 months, will involve masterclasses with editors, bestselling authors and industry professionals. The idea is to help writers produce the best possible manuscript and to facilitate relationships between writers and literary professionals.
Publishers and agents committed to “HARDCOPY” include Penguin-Random House, Affirm Press, Finlay Lloyd, Jenny Darling (from Jenny Darling and Associates) and Gabby Naher (from the Naher Agency), with more due to be announced soon.
The focus for the 2014 program is on helping writers produce the best possible manuscripts, facilitate relationships between writers, literary professionals and readers break and to down the barriers of location and geography.
Applicant writers must be serious about their practice and have a book-length manuscript in development—a manuscript that is a complete first draft, as a minimum. If not – wait until the next round.
The two-page (no longer) expression of interest should include a synopsis of your manuscript; a statement about the development of the manuscript to-date; a biographical statement (i.e. your writing achievements); a statement of what you hope to get out of being involved in HARDCOPY.
Applications to www.actwriters.org.au/hardcopy/ close on Friday, April 4 at 4pm. Inquiries to 6262 9191.
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