Literature & Publishing Sector Review published

Published: 09 Jul 2015

A review of the Literature and Publishing sector in Scotland has been published today, Thursday 9 July 2015.

The independent study provides an overview of contemporary literature provision, reflecting the successes and the distinct qualities of Literature and Publishing in Scotland whilst at the same time identifying development needs, future challenges and opportunities which will help inform the future work to best support literature and publishing in Scotland.

The review, commissioned by Creative Scotland, and overseen by a Steering group made up from representatives from the literature and publishing sector, has been carried out by Nordicity in association with Drew Wylie Ltd.

This has been the largest and most comprehensive review of this sector ever undertaken in Scotland, with findings based on more than 60 individual interviews, a series of open session discussions and more than 1,000 on-line survey responses.

The Review has produced a broad spread of recommendations aimed at improving the health of literature in Scotland and sustaining the sector as a vibrant and resonant form of cultural expression, and as an important creative industry. It covers a range of areas including individual writers, the publishing industry, developing readers, the sector ecology and the international promotion and development of Scottish writing. 

Jenny Niven, Head of Literature at Creative Scotland, said:

“It’s clear that in Scotland we have a unique, distinctive and rich cultural asset in literature that makes an enormous impact on many people’s lives and it’s been a privilege to explore this sector and to present suggestions for action which will help secure its long term health.

“The review offers a number of recommendations for the support and development of literature and publishing, across a very wide spectrum of topics, from examining authors fees to the international promotion of Scottish writers and their work.“Although the review represents an enormous amount of work already undertaken the publication is, in many ways, just the beginning. We look forward to working with the literature and publishing community to further champion the work of writers and artists; making literature more visible to a greater number of people; furthering support for Scottish publishing; building on the strengths of our literature organisations; and developing Scotland’s literary profile on the world stage.”

Today’s publication of this Review will be followed on 30 July with a Literature and Publishing Summit event at The Lighthouse, Glasgow of over 150 individuals, sector representatives and partner bodies to discuss the Review recommendations, agree our individual priorities and set out next steps.  Interested parties are encouraged to sign up to attend, from today, here. 

Read the Literature and Publishing Sector Review in full here.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

After a tender process the Literature Sector Review was conducted by Nordicity in association with Drew Wylie Ltd. The Literature Sector Review has been guided by an external steering group made up of sector specialists who bring different perspectives and objectivity to the process. The group was chaired by Creative Scotland.

This has been the largest and most comprehensive review of this sector ever undertaken in Scotland, with findings based on more than 60 individual interviews, a series of open session discussions and more than 1,000 on-line survey responses.

The Review paid particular attention to three interconnected areas: writers and talent development; the publishing industry and the market for Scottish work; and the broader literary ecology.

The Review is a reflection of Creative Scotland’s 10 Year Plan Unlocking Potential, Embracing Ambition launched in spring 2014 that sets out a shared vision for the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland.

This review is part of a series of comprehensive art form sector reviews intended to inform and shape our future activities and priorities. Sector Reviews in Dance, Theatre, Music and Film have already been undertaken and a review of the Visual Arts sector will commence later this year.

Further information on the sector reviews can be found here.

Nordicity is an international consulting firm providing strategy, policy and economic analysis for the arts, cultural and creative industries. Over the last three decades, Nordicity has become widely recognised as one of the leading international consultancies specialising in the profiling, economic and statistical analysis of the arts, cultural and creative sectors. Established in the UK since 2008, some of Nordicity’s other UK clients have included the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, Department for Culture, Media & Sport (UK Government), Greater London Authority and Nesta. For more information about Nordicity, visit nordicity.com or follow us them on Twitter @NordicityGlobal.

Drew Wylie Ltd. is based in East Lothian and works across the creative and cultural industries in Scotland and internationally. Scottish clients have included: Shetland Arts Development; Ayr Gaiety Theatre; Creative Scotland; Highlands and Islands Enterprise; and South Ayrshire Council. The Director of Drew Wylie, Andrew Ormston, has worked on the review with the Nordicity team, bringing experience of European projects as well as in depth knowledge of the Scottish cultural scene. For more information about Drew Wylie Ltd., visit drewwylie.net or contact Twitter @drewwylieltd.

Media Contact:
Wendy Grannon
Media Relations and PR Manager
E: wendy.grannon@creativescotland.com
T: 0131 523 0016
M: 07916 137 632