Pitch It!

Apply now to bring a bestselling author to your community during Book Week Scotland

We want to bring one of these bestselling authors to your community, to participate in events that fit this year's theme of Hope. If you can think it, Pitch It! You're in control.

We want innovative, unusual and creative slants on book events that will inspire people. 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 creates the adventurers of tomorrow.

We'll provide up to £500 to help with event costs and we will cover the author's fee and any travel expenses, as well as providing tailored support to help make your event the best it can be.

Choose from our two brilliant writers

Please note: the writers are available on listed dates only.

Jackie Kay, available Tuesday 19 November

Jackie Kay was born and brought up in Scotland. She is the author of – among other books – The Adoption Papers, which won the Forward Prize, Red Dust Road, winner of the Scottish Book of the Year Award, Trumpet, and the Costa-shortlisted Fiere. She was the third Makar, or National Poet for Scotland (2016-2021). She is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Salford. Her new collection MAY DAY was published in 2024 to great acclaim.

Johanna Basford, available Sunday 24 November

Johanna Basford was awarded an OBE in 2016 for services to art and entrepreneurship and holds a Guinness World Record for the largest drawing by hand in the shortest time (drawn over the floor of her old school gym). Her previous global bestsellers include Secret Garden, Magical Jungle, Lost Ocean, World of Flowers, Rooms of Wonder and Enchanted Forest. Johanna’s intricate, hand-drawn illustrations are loved by millions, and, to date, she has sold over 25 million books worldwide. Johanna lives in Aberdeenshire with her family.

How to pitch

You can pitch for any of our featured writers by completing our short SurveyMonkey form before Friday 20 September at 12 noon. Before you begin, please consider the following questions:

What is your event going to be?
When and where will it take place?
Who will attend your event?
How much will your event cost?
How can we help you run your event?

You are welcome to pitch for more than one writer if you wish, but please use separate applications. We'll let you know if your pitch has been successful by Friday 27 September latest.

(this link will open in a new window)Apply Now

Important information

Please note, Book Week Scotland runs 18–24 November 2024. Your event must take place during the specified dates for each author. Only one event per author will be selected, but all will be considered.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact [email protected](this link will open in a new window)