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ACT Writers Centre launches professional development program for emerging fiction writers

The ACT Writers Centre in Canberra has launched a new professional development program aimed at emerging fiction writers, called Hardcopy.

The six-month program, which is currently open for applications, is for fiction writers who have not yet had a work published by a recognised publisher and who have a book-length manuscript in development. The program, which is funded in part by the Australia Council for the Arts, is expected to expand to other genres in future years, including nonfiction and poetry.

The program will run in two rounds: 30 places are available in round one, which involves manuscript development masterclasses and an introductory seminar to the publishing industry; and 10 places are available in round two, which involves a three-day program of masterclasses and one-on-one consultations with publishers. The cost for round one is $550 for members of an Australian writers centre and $700 for non-members. There is no cost for round two, but only writers who have completed round one will be eligible.

The selection panel for round one includes a number of published authors such as Andrew Croome (Midnight Empire, A&U), Anthony Eaton (Into White Silence, Random House), Rebecca James (Sweet Damage, A&U) and Denise Young (Last Ride, HarperPerennial). Publishing consultant and former literary agent Mary Cunnane will be involved in selecting the writers for round two, and freelance editor Kevin O’Brien will present an editing masterclass in round one. More speakers are expected to be announced soon.

For more information about the program, visit the ACT Writers Centre website here.

 

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Category: Local news