Working With Writers Toolkit
How to make contact with writers?
- Some writers are involved with groups and networks, others are working in isolation. Ask any writers you do know to spread the word that you are interested in identifying local writers and ask them to get in touch. You will probably quickly build a long list.
- Ask local literature organisations who they have contact with e.g. in the North West we have a range including Commonword, literaturenorthwest, Windows project, The Reader magazine
- Attend readings, literature events, bookshop events. Network with people in the audience and try to secure a chance to make an announcement if you can
- Contact local publishers of books and new writing magazines
- Contact other publishers and study forthcoming publications lists/catalogues for local connections
- Ask your Arts Council literature officer
- Contact your local University, college, WEA, U3A. Creative writing depts will be particularly helpful, but many academic institutions have been approached by, or worked with writers from time to time
- Use the Internet. A google search should quickly identify any local networks and organisations
- Advertise in local libraries, in cultural journals, free sheets, literature e-lists
Librarians in the North West have pioneered partnership working to encourage new readers into libraries. Time To Read is a partnership of librarians engaged in reader development activity in public library authorities in the North West Region. All 23 public library authorities in the region currently support Time To Read.