Writers' resources
Downloadable resources
We have created some free downloadable resources for you (see below). We have also sifted through many book-related sites to find useful links and contacts for you to explore:
Useful contacts & websites
Agents
Ash Literary: specialises in books for children and young adults
Andlyn Agency: this boutique agency focuses on nurturing talent
Curtis Brown Group: this group includes well-known literary and acting agencies, as well as a creative writing school, with free resources
Darley Anderson Agency: covering all media, this agency has a section for children’s literature
The Good Literary Agency: social enterprise agency for under-represented writers
The Madeleine Milburn Agency: offers an annual mentorship programme, with four places for under-represented writers
Inclusive bookshops
Afrori Books: large online store for books of Black origin with an informative blog
Book & Kulture: An online bookstore that shines a spotlight on underrepresented authors and crafters from the African diaspora
Book Love: their book events include a multicultural travelling book carnival
Black Star Books: online Black-owned inclusive children's bookshop
Letterbox Library: established, not-for-profit supplier of diverse children’s books
Mirror Me Write: online children’s bookshop celebrating diverse literature
New Beacon Books: very well-established London bookshop for African and Caribbean literature
Round Table Books: great indie inclusive bookshop in Brixton
Indie publishers
Alanna Max: creates inclusive picture books for children
Formy Books: Black-family-run publisher championing own-voice books and creatives of colour
Knights Of: children’s fiction publisher dedicated to diversity
Lantana Publishing a children's publisher and social enterprise making inclusive books by underrepresented voices
Otter-Barry Books publishes culturally diverse and inclusive illustrated books plus poetry titles
StoryMix: creative fiction development studio working with writers and illustrators of colour
Magazines/books/ online publications for writers
Bad Form: literary review for writers of colour with advice and courses
Books for Keeps: subscribe for free to the UK's leading children's books magazine
Fierce White Rabbits: a walk through the history of picture books - in-depth analysis of picture book creators and their works by Clare Pollard
Pen&inc: magazine celebrating inclusion and diversity in children’s books
The Bookseller: leading publishing magazine for the latest industry news
Token magazine: annual publication for underrepresented writers
Words & Pictures: an online magazine for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI-BI) — British Isles region
Writers’ Forum: aimed at new and aspiring writers it's a monthly publication with the latest industry info and expert advice
Writing Magazine: is one of the UK's bestselling magazines for writers at all stages of their careers
Publishers
Faber & Faber: renowned publisher currently offering online events and a useful blog. The Faber Academy offers a payable course
Hachette UK: launched the Mo Siewcharran Prize, in recent years, for unpublished fiction writers from Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
Macmillan Children's: worth looking at their published titles of inclusive children's books
Penguin Random House UK: has plenty of publishing and writing information. They also offer writing workshops, fees payable
Scholastic Children's Book UK: publish an exciting range of thoughtful Black children's books including the groundbreaking Voices series
Publishers' forums
Writers & Artists: the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook is an essential reference for the publishing industry. The website has an online subscription for full access to the latest listing of publishers, publishing services and agents.
They also have free advice about the publishing process and area-specific information, including writing for children. Here's a link to the Children's edition of their Yearbook.
Self-publishing companies
All self-publishing companies offer payable services. Unless you have a known market for your book think carefully before signing up, but many self-publishing websites have useful information for new writers.
The Author School: offers writing courses and mentoring; they also offer a full marketing and self-publishing service at Ink!
Reedsy: one of the largest self-publishing companies offers webinars and advice
Scribophile: a payable writing service but has free advice
Writing groups, societies and other online resources
All Stories: a mentorship programme for unpublished writers from under-represented groups
Black-British Book Festival: a day-long book festival for anyone interested in Black literature
Black Books Matter UK: this relatively new UK branch has a useful blog
Black British Writers: has virtual clubs for writers and readers
Black Writers' Guild: see Writing a children's book
Booktrust: check out their Booktrust Represents page; they also have a comprehensive list of opportunities for writers of colour
Kindlepreneur: lots of useful information on writing, self-publishing and marketing
Literature Wales: has a new programme called Representing Wales, focused on developing writers of colour
Louise Harnby: Excellent bite-sized advice from a professional on editing and proofreading
Love Reading: offers a range of services for readers and writers — the section on children's books is a good place to find out what children are reading and enjoying now
Megaphone: a writer development scheme amplifying children's writers of colour
National Centre for Writing: lists events, courses and has free resources
New Writing North: seeks out and supports talent in the North of England; they also offer training
New Writing South: as above, but for the South
Out on the Page: supports LBGTQ+ writers with events, a newsletter and resource list
People of publishing: an expert blog packed with honest info about UK publishing
Picture Book Den: a blog by authors and illustrators to share their love of picture books
Royal Society of Literature: a literature charity open to all writers; it has a free newsletter with articles by leading authors and links to local organisations
Society of Authors: offers plenty of free resources, but full access requires membership
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: see Candy Gourlay's video
Spread the Word: focuses on writers in London, but also has online help
UK Black Writers Forum: offers news and a list of regional book groups
WriteMentor: offers mentoring programmes, courses and a magazine for children’s writers; also its useful podcast focuses on the How and why of writing
Writing Life: podcast from The National Centre for Writing