PUBLICATION SUPPORT SCHEME
The purpose of the scheme is to promote the publication of members’ creative writing.
It gives financial support in the form of a short term loan aimed at getting members
into print. These notes should be read in conjunction with the general information
supplied with the application form.
The editorial team would expect the author/s to have brought the work, as near as possible, to its final form. This will involve drafting and redrafting. It is always helpful to get advice from outside readers before an application is made. Help from peers and authors who have been previously published are particularly useful.
Although the editorial team does not expect to see the final product at the time of
application, a rigorous screening of technical aspects; spelling, grammar, the use of
language, format and layout should have taken place.
In the case of lengthy pieces of writing such as plays or novellas, a sample of the
content (the first and last chapter say) and a synopsis of the plot would be sufficient
to make an assessment.
There will be suggestions made by the editors which in some cases may seem
nit–picking and negative but responses are always given in a pro-active way that
enables improvement to be made. Unfortunately it is sometimes necessary to put
a red pen through some of the writing with ‘See me’ beside. In some cases an
experienced fellow member will be attached to the author as mentor. Someone
who can help steer the project through. The editorial process is two way, with
scripts often flying back and forth many times, leading toward a final copy that
is the best that can be achieved.
Editors, and the general reader come to that, are always looking for exciting new
ideas and ways of expression. Local history, culture, biography seen in a new light,
for instance, might well be favoured over more conventional approaches.
In an anthology, where there may be many contributors, organisers might consider
imposing a word limit. Poetry should also be considered.
Plenty of time should be given to a well thought out progressive plan leading
toward completion of the final product; including a marketing strategy designed
to maximise sales. Estimates for production and printing must be submitted.
Any loan from Tyne & Esk should be seen as a pump-primer. It is unlikely to
cover the full cost of production.
Alan Gay – Publication Support Coordinator
Click here to download the application form in pdf format.
