Published: 11 Sep 2019
An opportunity for organisations, libraries and individuals to pitch their dream event returns this year for Book Week Scotland. Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing has today revealed the big names joining the Pitch It line-up: food writer and anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe; critically acclaimed comic artist Frank Quitely; award-winning romance author Jenny Colgan and poet and author, Dean Atta.
Scottish Book Trust encourages pitches from all libraries and community groups: the charity is especially looking for events that get people talking and change the conversation, with innovative and interesting slants on book events. Events should be engaging and welcoming to audiences and communities in inclusive and interesting ways. This is your chance to plan a book event that will get tongues wagging!
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: "Building on the success of last year's Pitch It programme, we're excited to offer four fantastic writers from different genres and experiences for 2019. We encourage community groups and libraries to submit their ideas, even if they've never planned a Book Week Scotland event before. Scottish Book Trust looks forward to the interesting pitches based on the theme of conversation, and will be on hand to offer support that may be required."
Last year during Book Week Scotland, Chocolat author Joanne Harris visited the small Scottish town Callander and Edinburgh Caribbean Association had the opportunity to programme rapper and activist Akala.
Book Week Scotland is a national celebration of reading and writing and runs this year from 18 November to 24 November, linked to the theme of Conversation. The event must take place during the specified dates and times for each author. Only one event per author will be selected, but all will be considered.
In addition to covering the authors’ fees, Scottish Book Trust are able to provide a budget of up to £500 to help deliver the most creative event possible. This can be supplemented with other funds from the organisers of the event.
The deadline for pitches is Monday 30 September at midday. Successful pitches will receive confirmation on Friday 4 October, 2019.
For more information about Book Week Scotland 2019 and how you can get involved, visit bookweekscotland.com where you can find information about all the events taking place in your local area.
Images: Jenny Colgan (© Charlie Hopkinson); Dean Atta (Thomas Sammut); Frank Quitely (© Alasdair Watson)