Notes for NWS applicants

Please note that the New Writers’ Scheme is now fully subscribed for 2010. No more applications can be accepted for this year.

Notes for applicants for the New Writers’ Scheme:

After your membership application has been processed, you will receive a form which will give details regarding your typescript submission. Please do not send any work in without this form.

The closing date for tss is 31 August. You will be asked to submit your ts in hard copy by then. The reasons we ask for hard copy are because:

• The overwhelming number of our readers prefer it in this form. They may read it in their study, on the train, in their lunch hour, in bed. Very, very few like to read new tss on their computer screens.
• With 250 tss going through the scheme, all have to be treated in the same way.

You will also be asked for two lots of postage (one for the journey to the reader, one for the return leg to you). Please send this in stamps, not post-labels as these have ‘post-by’ dates on them which are likely to expire. We realise that postage can be a large expense to an unpublished writer, but it should be borne in mind that the current NWS reading fee of £50 is exceptionally reasonable. Professional book doctor services cost very much more.

Other points:

• You may only submit one ts to the NWS per year.
• The critique is a final report, not the start of a conversation with your reader.
• If you do not think you will get your ts finished, you may submit a partial together with a synopsis. There is no reimbursement of the reading fee if you do not submit by 31 August.
• If you are accepted for publication before this year’s ts has been submitted, you will be entitled to a repayment of the reading fee. As well as giving the NWS Organiser your good news, you should contact the Hon Membership Secretary who will then let the Hon Treasurer know about your change in status.
• Published members (or those accepted for publication) are not eligible for the New Writers’ Scheme.