20 May 2011
This is a reminder that the 2011 Manuscript Assessment Programme closes on 30 May. The Assessment Programme is aimed at new writers at an early stage of their career, and offers an opportunity for a writer to have a complete manuscript evaluated by an experienced assessor.
Here are a few comments from last year’s recipients:
When you’re close to your own work you can’t see where the improvements need to be made. The input from a third party – and the value is in their experience in the world of books and literature – lets you see what needs changing or strengthening.
I am convinced that manuscript assessment is absolutely necessary before sending any work to publishers. I previously made the mistake of sending out drafts too early. The assessment forced me to really clarify the plot and themes so that the reader can understand your intentions.
It’s brilliant to have an outsider’s opinion of one’s writing. I belong to a wonderful writers group yet I felt that my assessor had noticed aspects for improvement that my group and I had never thought of.
The selection panel will choose 10 successful applicants and match them with an assessor who specialises in the genre in which the applicant writes. The programme is open to writers of poetry, fiction, short fiction, memoir and non-fiction.
For the first time, the 2011 programme will also involve 5 ‘mini-mentorships’ which will be offered to 5 of the successful writers. These short mentorships will begin in early October and will help to guide each writer in the reworking of their manuscript. Expressions of interest will be asked for in the application form.
For an application form please contact the NZSA national office by emailing programmes@nzauthors.org.nz or visit our website: www.authors.org.nz
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