Peter Kalu is a poet, novelist, playwright and script writer. He started writing as a member of the Moss Side Write black writers workshop and has had five novels, two film scripts and three theatre plays produced to date, winning a number of prizes in the process. I interviewed him ahead of his upcoming appearance at BareContinue reading “Peter Kalu on voice, publishing and the barriers BAME writers face:”
Author Archives: megaphonewrite
Lee and Low: publishing diversity infographic
Lee and Low publishers in the USA have produced this intriguing infographic. Trends in the UK are likely to be similar. Note the male/female divide closing at executive level… http://publishingperspectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lee-and-Low-infographic.jpg http://publishingperspectives.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lee-and-Low-infographic.jpg
Bobby Nayar on diversity in publishing
“Ten years ago, I believed that working within the industry was the only way to effect change. Now I believe that entrepreneurship is the only way forward – for authors to be more savvy about promoting their books, for individuals to spot niches and move quickly to capitalize on them, and for people who feelContinue reading “Bobby Nayar on diversity in publishing”
Shortlist complete!
I have just finished making the final shortlist for megaphone. We had sixty-two applications and it has been incredibly difficult to choose the shortlist of ten, knowing that after editors’ input that will have to go down to just five successful applicants. I really didn’t know what to expect – how many applicants, what standardContinue reading “Shortlist complete!”
Book Bound retreat: grant available!
The Book Bound retreat for children’s writers (early readers through to YA, no picture books, sorry) is offering a full grant for one participant in financial need this year. Travel costs aren’t included but everything else is. Have a look here for this excellent opportunity – you have to scroll down : https://bookboundretreat.wordpress.com/booking-information/
Update from Megaphone
Happy new year and here’s an update from Megaphone – finally! Thank you so much to everyone who applied and everyone who spread the word. We had 62 applications which I think, for a new project – starting from zero in terms of publicity – with a relatively demanding application process, for a long-term commitment,Continue reading “Update from Megaphone”
Spotlight on Catherine Johnson, author and Megaphone masterclass leader
“In twenty years I have only ever worked with one Black editor.”
Spotlight on Rachel Mann: Children’s Fiction Editor, charity founder and teacher
“Publishing is an industry which has a lot to do with canon and heritage, and one that can be very slow to change.”
Spotlight on Jane Griffiths, Children’s Fiction Commissioning Editor.
Spotlights tell you more about the people involved in Megaphone: writers, editors and agents. Jane Griffiths is one of the editors who is generously donating her time to help select the applicants for Megaphone and to deliver final feedback on the manuscripts. She has worked in publishing for over ten years and is currently Senior CommissioningContinue reading “Spotlight on Jane Griffiths, Children’s Fiction Commissioning Editor.”
Spotlight on Lee Weatherly, author and Megaphone masterclass leader.
“Writing is hard, that’s the main thing I know.”