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This page provides a general overview of the literature and publishing sectors, and highlights some of the organisations that promote and support the industry you operate in. Use them with our Support Directory to find funding, networks, market intelligence and distribution channels that will help your writing or publishing business.
Almost three quarters (72%) of the literature and publishing industry is made up of writers and authors. The remaining 28% are publishing professionals working in artistic and literary creation (according to Creative Blueprints industry statistics). Of these publishing professionals, 64% are self-employed and a further 30% work in small companies with under 5 employees.
There are many routes for writers into digital and print publishing. Writers may self-publish their work and sell to the public directly. Others hire an agent to represent their work to publishing companies. Many more submit their work directly to publishers. 30% of professionals in writing and publishing work part-time while supporting their creative endeavours with other work, for example journalism or non-creative pursuits.
The two main public bodies involved in the sector are Creative Scotland and Scottish Book Trust (SBT).
Creative Scotland works across all creative sectors, including literature and publishing. It provides funding to the likes of Publishing Scotland and SBT but also distributes funding direct to writers and publishers (It should be noted that such funds are heavily oversubscribed).
In July 2015, Creative Scotland published a review of the sector, reflecting the successes and the distinct qualities of literature and publishing in Scotlan,d whilst at the same time identifying development needs, future challenges and opportunities.
SBT is a public organisation that champions reading, writing and literature in Scotland. It invests in literature events, resources for readers and writers, learning materials, and writing awards. Its website has advice and resources for writers as well as details on opportunities ranging from events and courses to awards. It is also involved with learning, providing education resources for teachers and learners of all ages. SBT runs the Live Literature programme that part-funds some visits by published authors to schools, libraries and festivals. As part of that it maintains a well-used database of authors located in Scotland who present as part of the programme.
Publishing Scotland is a membership body and charity that develops and promotes the work of Scotland’s publishing organisations. It provides a focus for networking in the trade and provides training and development for members and non-members alike. Full membership is open to publishers, but others (including freelance editors, typesetters and illustrators) can become network members.
Publishing Scotland provides members with trade information and keeps them abreast of government activities and policies. Its events cover support, collaboration, book sales and distribution and company development activities. See the Publishing Scotland publications for factsheets and information on the industry.
There are a number of UK-wide publishing associations. The Publishers Association is a trade organisation serving book, journal, audio and electronic publishers in the UK. Its research is a key resource for market intelligence through statistics, market reports and monitoring.
The Professional Publishers Association is a membership organisation that represents around 220 companies, all of whom may access the PPA Knowledge Bank of research, industry guidelines, and members’ directory.
More top-level research is also available through Creative Blueprint, British Library resources, Creative Industries UK and NewsWorks.
Writers' Guild of Great Britain is a trade union for writers across media from publishing to video games. Membership is open to writers of all levels of experience and its members’ directory is available to all. It campaigns for writers and negotiates agreements for pay and conditions. The Writers Guild website is also a resource for industry news.
The Society of Authors (SOA) is a trade union for professional writers. Until recently membership was only open to traditionally published authors, but now self-published authors can become members or associates if they meet certain criteria. Members living in Scotland automatically become members of the Society of Authors in Scotland (SOAIS), which has always been one of the most active bodies within SOA and organises many events/seminars.
The Association of Scottish Literary Agents (ASLA) is the national trade body for literary agents in Scotland. It's a voluntary organisation providing literary agents in Scotland with a forum to discuss matters of common professional interest. The forum enables agents to collaborate on various projects, including attendance at international book fairs and conferences. ASLA also arranges training sessions for member agents as well as for authors.
The Writers’ and Artists’ Year Book and the Children’s Writers’ & Artists’ Year Book is a well-known guide to the sector. It publishes toolkits for writers and artists giving advice on the art of writing. Its annual yearbooks are advice guides to all aspects of the media and how to get published. Each edition also includes comprehensive directory listings of who’s-who in publishing. Writers’ and Artists’ Year Book also hosts events and a community of writers to share expertise and reach the next level.
The Writers’ Compass helps writers build and sustain their writing careers through information services like events and opportunities, resource guides which include how-tos and factsheets, and one-to-one services that help writers develop their skills.
You’ll find more links to support for literature and publishing from:
Creative Scotland – Literature and Publishing Sector Review (July 2015)
