Spread the Word will be accepting submissions of narrative non-fiction for a maximum of 6 short feedback sessions from the editorial team at Footnote Press – a joint venture with Bonnier Books UK, publishing narrative non-fiction and literary fiction.
Fritha Saunders and Rose Green from Footnote’s editorial team are offering to provide feedback by phone or video call on up to 6 submissions from writers from under-represented backgrounds based in the UK.
Footnote currently has a strong interest in books about environment, mental health, identity, food, social issues, politics, and history.
Please bear in mind that memoir is a crowded market, so though we are open to seeing memoir submissions, we are particularly keen to see other forms of narrative non-fiction.
We define writers from backgrounds under-represented in publishing as those who:
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From a lower socio-economic background as defined by the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion guidance
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Have experienced a lack of academic and/or vocational training opportunities – i.e. have not been able to study/train to their full potential due to low income, ill health, being a carer etc.
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Are or have been a carer
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Have experienced homelessness
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Are a single parent
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Have a disability
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Are a writer of colour (Black, Asian, and Global Majority ethnicity)
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Are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
The purpose of the feedback session is to receive advice and support on the documents you have submitted. At the discretion of the agents participating, it may lead to further discussion of your work or requests as per standard agenting processes.
How to apply
Please note this opportunity is only open to unpublished and un-agented writers based in the UK. Apply via Submittable. Only one entry per applicant will be accepted.
The link to apply is here. We will be open to submissions at midday on Wednesday 17 May
To apply, you will need to upload 3 documents:
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A covering letter of 1-2 pages that includes: A little information about yourself and your motivations for your project, how you meet the criteria for this opportunity and a summary of your writing endeavours to date (e.g. Have you taken part in writing development opportunities? Have you mainly been writing on your own at home?)
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An outline of your project and a short chapter breakdown
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An extract from your project (3,000 words maximum)
If you are a disabled writer, there is the option to submit visual or audio submissions. Please get in touch with [email protected] if you need any support with this.
Fritha and Rose will be giving feedback solely on the documents that you submit.
Timeline
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Submissions will open at midday on Wednesday 17 May
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The deadline for submissions is 10am on Monday 19 June
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Applicants will know the outcome of their submission by Friday 4 August and successful applicants will receive their feedback by 30 September 2023.
If you have any queries about your application or this opportunity, please get in touch with [email protected]
About Fritha Saunders
Fritha has worked in publishing for over fifteen years and before joining Footnote was editorial director of non-fiction at Simon & Schuster. Prior to that she worked at Quarto and Constable & Robinson (now part of Hachette). She has worked with and published a number of high profile authors including Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, Laura Bates, Skin, Jonathan Van Ness, Jonathon Porritt and Kate Muir.
About Rose Green
Prior to joining Footnote last year, Rose was the Assistant Editor at MacLehose Press, having previously been a freelance editor. At MacLehose, she worked on authors such as Sara Stridsberg, GauZ’ and Marie NDiaye, specialising in literature in translation. She has also worked at Persephone Books, as a bookseller, and was part of the Literature team at the British Council.
Working out how to pitch your non-fiction project? Fritha and Rose will be talking through non-fiction proposals, giving you practical tips for how to shape your project and pitch it to agents and publishers at London Writers Network – Pitching Your Non-Fiction Project with Footnote Press x Spread the Word on Wednesday 17 May 2023 from 6.30 – 8.30pm at Deptford Lounge. The event will also be livestreamed.
For more details and to book your ticket (free for London Writers Network members) check out the event page on our website: www.spreadtheword.org.uk/events/footnote-press-x-spread-the-word
For a livestream ticket to this event, book here: www.spreadtheword.org.uk/events/london-writers-network-pitching-your-non-fiction-project-with-footnote-press-x-spread-the-word-livestream-ticket