This page contains information, guides and articles relevant to those working in the Scottish publishing sector. For information about our lobbying and campaigns work in Scotland, please visit Where We Stand in Scotland page.
Freelancer Guide 2024/5
The Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide 2024/5 is a practical introduction to legal rights, best practices and professional troubleshooting for creative workers in Scotland. Written by Heather Parry and illustrated by Maria Stoian. @FreelanceScots
Help! I need a publisher!
Nicola Morgan, the Crabbit Old Bat, is an award-winning author of around 90 books. She gives crabbitly honest advice to determined writers.
Sharing content online
Guidance and advice from Scottish BookTrust on how you can share books and stories online during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns.
Writers’ Support Groups in Scotland
Writing support groups based across Scotland can be found on the Scottish BookTrust website. To add your group to these pages, email andrew.blair@scottishbooktrust.com.
Writing retreats, classes and funding
Sometimes we need a helping with our writing, be it a structured retreat or financial assistance. On the Scottish Book Trust website you can find programmes and one-off classes for professionals.
Related Organisations
BAME Writers Network Scotland
The Scottish BAME Writers Network (SBWN) is an advocacy and professional development group for writers who identify as BAME (Black, Asian, minority ethnic), mixed-race or POC (people of colour) with a connection to Scotland.
Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits Scotland.
They enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life.
Creative Scotland also distribute funding from the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is the largest public celebration of the written word in the world. Every August, the Festival brings around 1,000 writers and thinkers from across the planet together.
Literature Alliance Scotland/Caidreabhas Litreachais Alba
Literature Alliance Scotland (LAS) is a membership organisation committed to advancing the interests of Scotland’s literature and languages at home and abroad.
As Scotland’s largest literary network, they bring together writers, publishers, educators, librarians, literature organisations and national cultural bodies, to create a strong, trusted collective voice for literature and languages, which are celebrated locally, nationally and internationally.
You can view their latest newsletter, here.
Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland
Scotland’s only arts organisation exclusively dedicated to the long term support, development and promotion of Scotland’s playwrights.
Publishing Scotland
Publishing Scotland provides support, training, funding and advocacy for the book publishing sector in Scotland.
Scottish Writers’ Centre
Through providing easy access to their works, the Scottish Writers’ Centre want people around the world to see Scottish writers in a better light, knowing that their works are worth reading.
Society for Editors and Proofreaders Glasgow
The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreadings’ (CIEP) Glasgow local group is a coalition of diverse professionals who share a belief in editorial excellence and the importance of being in touch with like-minded people.
Related links
Books from Scotland
The Best of Scottish Books
Scottish Book Trust
Inspiring readers and writers.
Scottish PEN
Defending the freedom of writers and readers.
Scottish Poetry Library
Bringing people and poems together.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
A vibrant arts venue on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile showcasing Scotland’s culture.